“I use the block button”: Coco Gauff explains how she handles social media negativity
WTAMonday, 03 August 2026 at 08:30
Coco Gauff arrived at the Canadian Open as one of the biggest names in women’s tennis, but ahead of her campaign in Toronto, the two-time Grand Slam champion discussed a different challenge that comes with her success: managing the attention and criticism that follows her away from the court.
Speaking during her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of having such a direct relationship with fans through social media. The American said platforms like Instagram and X have allowed players to communicate their own stories, but acknowledged that greater visibility also creates more exposure to criticism.
The world No. 2 enters the tournament as the fourth seed in Toronto after another season competing at the highest level of the sport. The 22-year-old has already established herself among the WTA’s elite, winning the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Roland Garros title, while continuing to work on areas of her game ahead of the North American hard-court swing.
Gauff will begin her Canadian Open campaign after receiving a first-round bye, with either Diane Parry or qualifier Kayla Day waiting in the second round. She is still searching for her first singles title at the event, having reached the round of 16 in 2025 before falling to eventual champion Victoria Mboko in straight sets.
“You just learn how to navigate it”: Gauff explains social media reality
Gauff said social media has changed the relationship between athletes and fans by allowing players to have more control over how they are represented publicly. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional media coverage, players can now directly explain situations and share parts of their personalities with supporters around the world.
“I think the good, I think we're able to have a little bit control of our own narrative and our own story compared to before social media,” Gauff said during her press conference. “Whenever things happen, I can just clear it up online really quick.”
Coco Gauff reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, but lost to eventual runner-up Karolina Muchova.
However, the American also acknowledged that the same accessibility that allows players to connect with fans can make dealing with criticism more difficult. With millions of followers watching their careers, athletes are exposed to reactions immediately after matches, interviews and controversial moments.
“Obviously you're with more exposure to personal things, you are exposing yourself to more comments on the negativity for that too, which it does suck at times,” Gauff explained. “But I don't know, I guess it's part of it. Obviously it shouldn't have to be part of it, but you just learn how to navigate it.”
The 2023 US Open champion said she has developed her own approach to handling negative interactions online, including using blocking tools when necessary. “Now I try my best to just, you know, I use the block button,” Gauff said. “Sometimes I will respond to some people or troll people.”
Despite the challenges, Gauff emphasized that the positive side of social media remains important to her. “I just like doing things like that because 15 seconds of my time really makes someone's day, and I think that's really crazy.”
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While social media was the main topic of discussion, Gauff also enters Toronto focused on improving her tennis ahead of the final stretch of the season. One year ago, the American added coach Gavin MacMillan to her team, joining longtime coach Jean-Christophe Faurel in a partnership aimed at refining specific areas of her game.
Gauff said the main priority since MacMillan’s arrival has been improving her serve, an area that has been a major focus throughout the last year. “I think I've improved as a player and especially on the serve aspect,” Gauff said. “That was the main focus when he joined the team, and I think my last couple of results have definitely shown that I've gotten better with that.”
Her return to Canada also comes with positive memories from previous editions of the tournament, although her singles results have not matched her achievements elsewhere on hard courts. Last year, she reached the fourth round before losing to Mboko, who later captured the biggest title of her career.
Gauff will also arrive as the defending champion in Canadian Open doubles alongside McCartney Kessler. With the US Open approaching, the tournament provides another opportunity to continue building momentum before returning to New York, where she became a Grand Slam champion three years ago.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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