"If another player did the same, they’d get applause, and I’d get crucified": Coco Gauff on harsh expectations

Coco Gauff addresses how she deals with criticism. The 2023 US Open champion became one of the WTA’s sensations at just 14 years old. Over the past three seasons, Gauff has established herself in the top 10 and has gained extensive experience, despite being only 20.

The attention she attracted from a young age set high expectations for Gauff. Back in 2019, the 15-year-old Gauff defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in her tournament debut, advancing to the Round of 16. However, it took several years for the American to meet these high expectations with major titles.

The world No. 3 won her first titles in Linz 2019 and Parma 2021, both in WTA 250 events, and many questioned if she could shine in the more prestigious tournaments. Gauff reached the final of the 2022 French Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek, drawing heavy criticism for not meeting the expectations around her.

However, in the 2023 US swing, everything changed for Gauff. Now well-established in the top 10, she had an almost perfect month, winning her first WTA 500 in Washington, her first WTA 1000 at the Cincinnati Open, and her first Grand Slam title at the US Open.

The 20-year-old shared her thoughts on the criticism she faces during her participation in the WTA Finals. “I honestly think maybe just because of how I entered the scene - people are very critical of me. I take it as a compliment,” Gauff told The National. “Maybe they're critical about people that they feel like can do better, so I just try to be better.”

“I feel like, just certain comments, I guess maybe another player would maybe do the same result as me and I get crucified for it and they get applauded,” the world No. 3 added. “So it's tough sometimes. And sometimes I do want to clap back, but I just try to remember, when I win, I’ll be like, that's going to be my clap back. So I do see it. It does motivate me.”

When Gauff won the 2023 US Open, it was the ultimate response to those who doubted she could ever lift a major trophy. The American addressed her critics during the trophy ceremony, saying, “Thank you to the people who didn't believe in me.”

“Like a month ago, I won a 500 title and people said I would stop at that. Two weeks ago, I won a 1000 title and people were saying that was the biggest I was going to get. So three weeks later, I'm here with this trophy right now.

“I tried my best to carry this with grace and I've been doing my best. So honestly, to those who thought [they] were putting water on my fire, you're really adding gas to it. And now I'm really burning so bright right now.”