Coco Gauff faced a lot of criticism in recent months about her form and inability to clinch a singles title since the ASB Classics in January. However, the American ended the drought by winning the China Open 2024 and even shared a story about it on Instagram, hitting back at her haters. In response, one fan compared her to a child, but Gauff came up with a graceful yet sharp reply to the critic.
In the story, Gauff holds the trophy in front of a screen displaying her photo with ‘2024 China Open’ written on it. Having won the WTA 1000 title, Gauff hit back at her haters who previously trolled her for only winning WTA 250s.
“She only wins 250s. Well.. WHOMP WHOMP,” wrote Gauff in her story.
This made a user believe that Gauff’s use of social media to respond to her critics was childish. “Coco has the mentality of a 5 year old, I’m sorry,” wrote the user.
The American did not hesitate to respond, saying she accepted the claim because she believed children have the best outlook on life. She further added that her goal was to enjoy the tournament as much as she did when she played tennis as a child.
“Honestly kids have the best outlook on life. They are so positive and creative. so I’ll take it. My goal this tournament was to play and enjoy tennis as much as I did when I was a kid because that’s when life was/is the most fun!,” wrote Gauff in her reply to the Tweet.
honestly kids have the best out look on life. they are so positive and creative. so I’ll take it❤️ my goal this tournament was to play and enjoy tennis as much as I did when I was a kid because that’s when life was/is the most fun!
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) October 6, 2024
Fans hailed Gauff’s response, appreciating her positive yet firm reply to her doubter. Former American tennis player Andy Roddick was also impressed and shared a screenshot on his handle.
These grown folks are miserable with there lives.. and mad they couldn’t ever do what you do.
Keep enjoying life CoCo ! We’re routing for you!
— Honcho @ the Pit (@honcho_mills) October 6, 2024
what a way to put a positive spin on a hater… you played epic and had a great time grats champ
— liam (@boygenius_fan) October 6, 2024
Bloop! Congrats on your win, and for giving your haters something to cry about.
— Tasha ✨ تاشا (@t4sh4___) October 6, 2024
This was such a good response @CocoGauff I absolutely adore you! You’re incredibly poised, kind, and mature beyond your years. Congratulations on your win! I can’t wait to watch you play live one day!
— AllDayShley (@alldayshley) October 6, 2024
In her performance at the China Open, she exhibited the same positive attitude that she had shown in these comments.
Gauff’s China Open campaign
Gauff’s run at the China Open was filled with challenges, especially given she hadn’t won a tournament for several months. However, she managed to beat players like Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa to reach the final.
In the final, she faced Karolina Muchova, who had been on a successful journey of her own after recovering from a wrist injury. Despite this, Gauff dominated Muchova, defeating her in straight sets to win the title.
One of the major reasons behind Gauff’s success in China could be her new coach — Matt Daly. After her early exit from the 2024 US Open, she immediately split with her former coach, Brad Gilbert, and later revealed that Daly would be her coach in the future. With their partnership already resulting in a trophy, Gauff’s fans can expect her to reach even greater heights in the near future.
