Coco Gauff in tears after painful Australian Open exit

Monday, 23 January 2023 at 01:30

Updated at Sunday, 12 January 2025 at 17:14

byErik Virostko

After being undefeated in 2023 for three weeks, Coco Gauff lost her first match of the season and it came at the Australian Open.

Following the loss of World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, the draw opened up for the 18-year-old American, but she also lost in the fourth round, as Jelena Ostapenko bested her 6-3, 7-5.

After the match, Gauff didn't hide her disappointment as she couldn't hold back her tears during the post-match press conference.

"I think every loss is somewhat in my control because I do feel like I'm a good player, but today she just played better. There were moments in the match where I was getting frustrated because I normally can problem solve but today I feel like I didn't have much answers to what she was doing."

The teenager was still able to analyze her game and see the positives of her run this year. Before losing to Ostapenko, no one could take a set away from her.

"There were balls I was hitting deep and she was hitting them on the line and hitting them back deep, like, over and over again. It's just one of those days that just didn't go my way and went her way."

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"I think it's because I worked really hard and I felt really good coming into the tournament and I still feel good. I still feel like I've improved a lot. But when you play a player like her and she plays really well, it's like there's nothing you can do. So it's a little bit frustrating on that part."

Gauff, who is former doubles WTA World No. 1, is also competing in doubles at the 2023 Australian Open, and she will attempt to win her first Grand Slam doubles title after previously losing in a final with Caty McNally at the 2021 US Open, and then adding another loss in the 2022 Roland Garros final with Jessica Pegula.

"I think doubles has taught me how to play after losing, how to play with frustration. So I feel like it'll help me in the future. Bouncing back from a loss is difficult in a Grand Slam but I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I hope I can help her and I hope that she continues well in the (singles) tournament now that I'm out."