Coco Gauff secured her spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals, defeating Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 on Sunday.
While the former US Open champion celebrated her on-court triumph, she took a moment to lament a digital loss, scribbling “RIP TikTok USA” alongside a broken heart on a camera lens—a nod to the sudden shutdown of the popular social media app in the United States.
The app, beloved by millions including Gauff’s 750,000 TikTok followers, disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a new law enforcing its shutdown.
Gauff, competing in Melbourne, expressed her surprise that the ban extended to her phone overseas.
“I honestly thought I’d be able to get away with it because I was in Australia,” Gauff said during a press conference. “I guess it’s something to do with my number. I don’t know. I have to do some research.”
While saddened by the app’s absence, Gauff maintained a positive outlook:
“Hopefully it comes back. It’s really sad. I love TikTok—it’s like an escape. I honestly do that before matches. I guess it’ll force me to read books more, be more of a productive human. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”
The shutdown, affecting approximately 170 million American users, has also drawn reactions from other tennis stars.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, another avid TikTok user with over 500,000 followers, expressed similar hopes for the platform’s revival.
“This isn’t something we can control and I hope they’re going to figure it out, because I love TikTok,” said Sabalenka, who recently recreated one of her viral dance videos with fans on Rod Laver Arena.
US President-elect Donald Trump hinted at a possible 90-day reprieve for the app upon taking office Monday, giving Gauff and other fans a glimmer of hope.
In the meantime, Gauff remains focused on her Australian Open journey, showcasing her adaptability both on and off the court.
Watch Coco Gauff’s full on-court interview after her victory below: