Coco Gauff Discusses Social Media Harassment at US Open

Coco Gauff revealed the level of hate she receives on social media.

Aug 28, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Coco Gauff (USA) after winning the first set against Tatjana Maria (GER) on day three of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Most of the stories coming out of the US Open this year have been overwhelmingly positive and heartwarming. However, Caroline Garcia spared a debate about social media harassment when she shared pictures of the messages she receives online.

After defeating Tatjana Maria in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday night, Coco Gauff shared heartbreaking stories about the hate she faces on social media.

Gauff told tennis reporters, "I will literally spend 30 minutes blocking all the people." She expressed empathy and concern for Garcia, adding, "I just thought at first like I was being targeted. Then I realized everybody was getting it."

Coco Gauff on online harassment, ‘I will literally spend 30 minutes blocking all the people… Just as you're entitled to write that, I'm entitled to block it… I don’t want to see it, so bye’

“Caroline García posted about the abuse she received after she lost. Obviously it's not… pic.twitter.com/LpZ5BySUKz

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2024

Gauff gave a glimpse into the messages she receives online, "It's tough because you hear a lot of nasty things, and people, like, talk about your appearance, your family's appearance, and all these things. If you are already struggling with your own mental issues and on top of that you have people digging deeper, it is tough."

Lastly, Gauff acknowledged the shortcomings of blocking people on social media as they can create new profiles. She said she hopes AI (artificial intelligence) can help the situation in the future.

Gauff faces Elina Svitolina on Friday during the third round of the US Open. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

• Frances Tiafoe's US Open kit is drawing comparisons to a Taylor Swift song.

• Ben Shelton offered a surprisingly funny reason for Coco Gauff's popularity.

• Nick Kyrgios roasts Carlos Alcaraz's US Open outfit.