“Disturbing people around me who have unhealthy obsessions” – Tennis fans enraged by Coco Gauff’s need to defend her blocking spree
Following her social media banning spree and admittance of frequent abuse, some tennis fans rallied behind Coco Gauff.
Coco Gauff was defeated by Iga Swiatek in the round-robin round of the 2023 WTA Finals on Wednesday, November 1. Following her tenth setback versus Swiatek, the American went on a social media banning frenzy. The act piqued the interest of many admirers, with several of Coco Gauff’s supporters pointing out that she had incorrectly blocked them.
Gauff, who was knocked out of the WTA Finals by compatriot and doubles partner Jessica Pegula in a 2-6, 1-6 semifinal loss, recently went to X (previously Twitter) to defend herself. Following repeated online abuse, the World No. 3 stated that she took precautions to preserve her mental health.
“I only block negative people, not my fans.” I don’t go looking for these pages. It appears on my schedule. When you consider the regular harassment, I face on a daily basis. Death threats, bigotry, fat shaming, and so on. It’s draining. So I do my best to spare myself,” she responded to a user’s request to unblock her fans.
Coco Gauff’s disclosure dismayed tennis fans, who rallied around her. Many thought her blocking was warranted.
“The idea that she had to address this bothers me. Fans who want players to reciprocate a parasocial connection deserve better, according to one person.
“I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure such abuse; there are disturbed and disturbing people around with unhealthy obsessions.” “Please continue to protect yourself, your mind, and your emotions by blocking, blocking, blocking,” another admirer remarked.
The fact that she even had to address this bums me out. Players deserve better than fans who expect them to reciprocate a parasocial relationship. pic.twitter.com/VVjlzH1vWD
— Owen (@tennisnation) November 6, 2023
I’m so sorry you have to experience such abuse – there are disturbed and disturbing people around who have unhealthy obsessions. Please continue to protect yourself, mind and emotions and block, block, and block
— Wendy Hough (@WendyHough16) November 6, 2023
Here are some more tennis fans’ reactions:
A lot of this stems from those who, like myself, participate in betting.
— BetWithBlev (@BetWithBlev) November 6, 2023
Tennis players receive much more backlash from gamblers than any other sport.
It’s sad and flat out embarrassing.
People don't appreciate enough that they get to interact with their faves on these platforms, despite what they go through behind the scenes. https://t.co/EpH1PqAtLr
— She Comfortable (@thatsoleelee) November 5, 2023
Ok she ate this y’all https://t.co/Q89SnqKrh4
— Caleb? (@calebbtwt) November 5, 2023
you don't owe TT shit coco. They are just making a stink b/ a regular TT acct was banned but big fkin whoop they need to suck it up n move on. maybe they should have been more careful with their tweets. your fans like me will always continue to love n support you!
— Nadia SV (@snadia12) November 6, 2023
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