Coco Gauff reveals hidden China motivation behind switching to Red Note after TikTok ban

Coco Gauff, as a prominent user of TikTok, is well aware of the app's impending ban in the United States. The American has said that she is considering switching to Red Note.

Gauff spoke about this during her post-match press conference after beating Leylah Fernandez at the Australian Open. The 20-year-old said that she would be on Red Note once she figured downloading the app. Gauff also said that the app presents an opportunity for her to connect with a Chinese audience.

"Yeah, I've tried to download it. For some reason, it's not working. Once I figure that out, I'll be on the app. Also, it's an opportunity to connect with a Chinese audience. I know in China they asked me to go on another app, but I forgot the name of the app, so I guess I have to eventually do that," Coco Gauff said.

Red Note has become a popular alternative among Americans as they brace for the impending ban of TikTok, which boasts over 170 million users in the US alone. Gauff was glad to see that many were warmly welcoming Red Note, as she thinks about joining as well.

"I think it's kind of cool that, from what I've seen on TikTok, everybody is welcoming all the Americans on there. So, I'll end up making an account, especially if TikTok goes away in the US."

Gauff and many other keen TikTok users will know in a couple of days what the fate of the app is.

Coco Gauff to face Belinda Bencic in Australian Open 4R

Coco Gauff in action at the Australian Open

After getting the better of Leylah Fernandez, Gauff will next take on Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the Australian Open. The Swiss, who became a mother last year, booked her place in the last 16 of the Melbourne Major for the third time in her career after Naomi Osaka retired due to injury during their third-round fixture.

Gauff and Bencic have locked horns twice before, with their head-to-head currently tied at 1-1. Their last encounter came in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Citi Open, with the American winning 6-1, 6-2.

Whoever out of the two comes out on top in Melbourne Park, will take on either 11th seed Paula Badosa or Olga Danilovic in the Australian Open quarterfinals.