Coco Gauff details her approach in dealing with negative comments on social media
The 20-year-old shares how she handles receiving hateful messages on social media.
Tennis
Coco Gauff has no time for haters.
The defending US Open champion is currently working on retaining her title in New York.
When she’s not busy playing or preparing for her next opponents on the tennis court, the 20-year-old is laying down the law on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
If you only have negative things to say to her, you’ll likely find yourself on the blocked list.
Her revelation came after fellow player Caroline Garcia shared an example of the hateful messages she herself has been receiving on social media.
“Personally, I block,” Gauff revealed, discussing her approach to ‘haters’.
“I can spend 30 minutes blocking everyone, I don’t mind. People get upset, I don’t care.
“I’m not obligated to read negative things about myself; if you feel entitled to write those things, I have the right to block you, tough luck!
“Blocking has its limits, people can create new accounts, [but] I try not to read too much or take it personally.”
One way she combats seeing negative things is by having ‘secondary’ accounts, on Instagram and TikTok specifically, where she doesn’t see tennis-related things.
In the face of unpleasant comments, Gauff wants to continue encouraging others to be more mindful of their words.
“I hope players, especially Caroline, continue to ignore these things,” she added.
“I always say people can be more careful and nicer, but only some listen.”
Gauff is set to take on Elina Svitolina in the third round on Friday, 30 August.