Coco Gauff has shared her thoughts on the potential federal ban looming for the popular social media app TikTok in the United States due to national security concerns. Despite being focused on her quest to win her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, the American disclosed that she was closely following the proceedings as the Supreme Court prepared to deliver its ruling on January 19.
Following her dominant win over Sofia Kenin, Gauff took on Jodie Burrage in the second round of the Melbourne Slam. After winning the opening set 6-3, the World No. 3 battled back from 5-3 down in the second set to claim a 6-3, 7-5 victory and advance to the third round of the Major.
Despite boasting over 755,000 followers on TikTok, Coco Gauff disclosed that the latest talk of a ban elicited a dismissive reaction from her, as she was reluctant to waste her time on the issue after similar threats had come to nothing in the past.
Speaking in her post-match press conference, the 20-year-old also highlighted that many Americans had migrated to the Chinese social media platform 'Red Note,' suggesting that people would adapt with ease since there was no dearth of alternatives.
"Yeah I am following it. Yeah, I feel like this is the third or fourth time this has happened, so I've kind of like, this time just was like, 'Whatever.' If I wake up and it doesn't work, fine. I'm done wasting my time figuring it out," Coco Gauff said.
"I see that there's a new app called 'Red Note' that a lot of people are migrating over to. So I feel like regardless people are going to be fine because people are always going to migrate to another app," she added.
Nevertheless, Gauff expressed hope that TikTok would not be banned, emphasizing its value for small businesses and for creators who rely on it for income. The American also disclosed that she enjoyed hearing people's stories on the platform but acknowledged that she wasn't well-versed with the security concerns.
"But obviously, I hope TikTok extends. I think its's a great thing for a lot of small businesses in our country and a lot of creators make money on it and have the chance to spread stories," she said.
"Personally me, a lot of great stories I've heard are from TikTok and connecting with people has been TikTok. So, I hope that it will stay. Obviously, I don't know all the security issues and things like that, but as a fan, I hope that they are able to extend it," she added.
Coco Gauff to lock horns with Leylah Fernandez in Australian Open 3R
Coco Gauff will lock horns with Leylah Fernandez in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, following the Canadian's 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Cristina Bucsa. The World No. 3 holds a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head record, having claimed a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory in their recent encounter at this year's United Cup.
After recording seven double faults in her win over Jodie Burrage, Gauff acknowledged the need to serve better against the Canadian. The 20-year-old also lavished praise on Fernandez's aggressive game and disclosed that she was expecting her to pose a tough challenge.
"Obviously, serve better. I think just, again, she's going to be aggressive. That's her game. She's a great mover. She's going to hit some great shots. She's a great player. Slam finalist and has great results against top players. I expect her to play great tennis. I just hope I can do the same," Coco Gauff said.
If Coco Gauff triumphs over Leylah Fernandez, she will square off against the winner of the match between Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic in a blockbuster fourth-round encounter at the Australian Open.