The 2023 US Open champion, Coco Gauff, took to social media to express her disapproval of a cartoon-style artwork posted by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) on Sunday. The artwork, a “hype post” for the seeded Americans at the Australian Open, mimicked the style of the cartoon television show “The Wild Thornberrys.”
In the now-deleted post, Gauff and her fellow American players were depicted in a caricatured manner. Gauff, ranked as the world’s No. 4 player, described the artwork as “foul” and criticized the depictions as “hideous.” Taking to Instagram to voice her displeasure, Gauff expressed that the art style, while suitable for a cartoon show, was not appropriate for a hype post.
“Worst thing I’ve ever seen. Like a caricature artist decided to make [us] all look like hideous looking people. The art style is cool for a cartoon show but not for a hype post. Foul,” Gauff shared in an Instagram story.
Gauff went on to emphasize her dissatisfaction with the depictions, stating, “Y’all I know it is a cartoon show, but I think I would prefer to be drawn as a Bratz art style and not this. This makes us all look so ugly.”
Fellow seeded American Jessica Pegula also echoed Gauff’s sentiments, responding to her on social media by agreeing that the depictions made them look “ugly.”
The contentious post featured caricatures of Gauff, Pegula, Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Emma Navarro.
As the Australian Open gets underway, this social media incident highlights the impact of visual representations in the digital age, with athletes expressing the importance of respectful and positive portrayals. The USTA’s artwork, intended as a show of support, inadvertently sparked criticism, prompting a discussion on the portrayal of athletes in promotional materials.
Gauff at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.4, the American achieved a compiled 6-0 match record in 2024. Coco is currently playing at the Australian Open where she beat the world no.68 Anna Schmiedlova 6-3 6-0.
Coco Gauff will compete against the world no.43 Caroline Dolehide in the 2nd round. Their record is 1-0 for Gauff.
Coco conquered 1 title in 2024 in Auckland.
Coco won 7 titles in her career: 5 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Coco Gauff |
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