The tennis star says a little digital sass goes a long way when it comes to keeping online critics in check

Coco Gauff is proving that she’s not the type to let internet negativity live in her head rent-free. During a recent press session at the Canadian Open, the 22-year-old tennis standout opened up about the playful — and occasionally petty — way she handles online criticism.

Coco Gauff’s approach to online trolls

According to Gauff, most hateful comments get an instant block. But every now and then, she chooses a different route: replying just enough to get under a critic’s skin. She explained that a simple emoji, like a smiley face, tends to do the trick, noting that the lighthearted gesture seems to irritate detractors more than ignoring them ever could.

It’s a strategy that speaks to Gauff’s broader relationship with fame, scrutiny and the pressures that come with being one of the most recognizable young athletes in the sport. Rather than letting negativity fester, she’s found a way to flip the script — turning trolling attempts into a bit of a game on her terms.

A pattern of grace under pressure

This isn’t the first time Gauff has addressed the darker side of social media attention. Following her sixth-set semifinal defeat to Karolina Muchova at Wimbledon last month, the American acknowledged that her notifications had filled up with unkind messages almost immediately after the match ended. Still, she maintained a composed outlook, framing the criticism as fuel rather than a setback, and pointing out that much of the vitriol stemmed from frustrated bettors rather than genuine fans.

That distinction matters. Athletes across professional sports have increasingly called attention to the intersection between legalized betting and online abuse, with many pointing out that losses tied to wagers often trigger disproportionate anger directed at players rather than sportsbooks. Gauff’s comments align with a growing chorus of competitors speaking candidly about the toll that betting-fueled harassment can take.

Tennis organizations are taking notice

The WTA hasn’t ignored the issue, either. In partnership with Wimbledon and the USTA, the organization has rolled out a monitoring system called Threat Matrix, designed to flag and evaluate online comments that could signal a threat to player safety. Information collected through the tool can be shared with betting operators and other stakeholders, helping build a stronger, more coordinated response to digital harassment aimed at athletes.

For Gauff, the support system arrives at a pivotal moment in her career, as she continues balancing elite performance with the scrutiny that comes with being a top-ranked star in a sport that’s constantly under a microscope.

Behind the composed exterior

Despite her cool demeanor in interviews, Gauff admitted that confidence doesn’t always come easily behind the scenes. She revealed that her practice sessions can sometimes take a negative turn, describing a recent session where her frustration boiled over. Rather than viewing this as a flaw, she framed it as part of her process, explaining that letting emotions out during practice allows her to walk onto match courts with a clearer head.

She also touched on the mental chess match that unfolds during competition, noting that tennis often comes down to small margins, and that revealing frustration to an opponent can hand them an unintended advantage. Projecting calm, she said, is sometimes less about genuine confidence and more about committing to the appearance of it until belief catches up.

It’s a refreshingly honest admission from a player who’s spent years navigating the spotlight with poise beyond her years. Between her blunt humor toward trolls and her candid reflections on self-doubt, Gauff continues to show fans a fuller picture of what it takes to stay grounded at the top of women’s tennis.

Source: The Mirror US