Coco Gauff takes on ‘evil gamblers’ and lives up to her expectations at Wimbledon

Coco Gauff says she loves her fans and loves meeting them in real life. However, she also adds that she really can’t stand “angry gamblers” and that she never thinks about what to do when they start insulting her.

Gauff, currently world No. 2 and one of the most popular players among children, is a fan favorite almost everywhere she goes. The 20-year-old American not only has the game, but also a personality that attracts positive attention.

And ahead of her fifth appearance at Wimbledon – where the 2023 US Open champion will undoubtedly receive strong support – she was asked to reveal her likes and dislikes about being a tennis pro.

“There are a lot of things I love, but the best thing about playing tennis is the connection with people. Last week I met a guy who is a fan of mine. He started getting excited when he met me,” Gauff said.

“It’s those things and those interactions that make you, because you see that what you do on the field matters, regardless of whether you have a great time and win everything, or whether you struggle and lose. Those interactions with people are so satisfying that they make it all worth it.”

After mentioning the side she likes, Gauff mentioned social media abuse as something she’s really not a fan of. But Gauff has her way of dealing with it, as she simply immediately blocks anyone who sends negative and malicious comments her way.

“I don’t like it? Maybe the angry gamblers on social media are a bit annoying, I love the block button. People say I use it a lot on Twitter, but I just say, ‘Bye’ (laughs).”

Gauff reveals how she really feels about Wimbledon

After becoming Grand Slam champion at the 2023 US Open and also reaching back-to-back Slam semifinals at this year’s Australian Open and French Open, Gauff is among the top favorites to take the title at Wimbledon this year.

Although Gauff’s career began at Wimbledon in 2019 when she defeated Venus Williams, it remains the Slam where the 20-year-old has had the least success to date. The American has reached the eighth finals twice at The Championships, while she has reached the semi-finals at least once at all other Slams.

Last year, Gauff had her most disappointing Wimbledon after losing in the first round to Sofia Kenin. Ahead of her 2024 Wimbledon first-round match against world number 52 Caroline Dolehide, the American world number 2 insists she is relaxed as she believes things can’t get any worse than last year.

“I’m going to Wimbledon with a very relaxed feeling. I didn’t play a good tournament here last year, so I think it can’t get worse, it can only get better or stay the same (laughter),” said Gauff.

Gauff shares one thing she’s really proud of

When Gauff was dismissed in her opening match at Wimbledon last year, she looked absolutely crushed and had seemingly lost a step compared to the rest of the top players. But then the 20-year-old American hired coach Brad Gilbert and her fortunes immediately turned around as she first became the WTA 1000 champion in Cincinnati before achieving her Slam dream in Flushing Meadows.

“I wish the me from that race a year ago could see myself now. It was a tough time for me. The first two or three weeks after that race I was in a really dark place, it was hard to realize that I still had a lot of time,” Gauff said.

“I grew a lot. I’m glad I used that moment to improve, and I still know I’m not even halfway there. That experience taught me that bad times don’t last forever. It was the best part of a season I’ve ever had. It teaches you that bad times don’t last forever.”

After the French Open, Gauff replaced Aryna Sabalenka at number two in the world rankings and achieved her new highest ranking ever. Since there have been no changes since then, the 20-year-old will play her first Grand Slam as number 2 at Wimbledon. But in the eyes of the American, it is not something that gives her extra pressure.

“Not really. Ranking is just a number, maybe I would feel different if I was number 1, but when you’re 2, 3, 4, 5, it’s all interchangeable unless you’re 1. It’s not something I a lot of attention,” Gauff noted.