Coco Gauff revealed that she couldn’t use TikTok despite being in Australia (Image: Getty)
said it was “really sad” to see TikTok banned in America.
The world No. 3 wrote a cheeky message on the camera saying “RIP USA” after reaching the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Gauff thought she would be safe from the ban while competing Down Under but revealed that she ran into an issue while trying to use the app.
The 20-year-old has discussed the ban in the US throughout the week, and when the app finally turned off for Americans, Gauff marked the occasion with a light-hearted message on the camera.
Players traditionally sign the lens to celebrate their victories, but Gauff seemed stumped when she had the pen in her hand. “Okay, I think I’m going to go with this one,” she said.
The world No. 3 was later asked to explain what “RIP USA” meant and explained that the app was no longer available State-side.
“Yeah, it was funny, a couple people didn’t know what I meant. You can’t access it in the U.S. anymore,” Gauff said.
Coco Gauff wrote ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on the camera after winning (Image: Getty)
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But it’s not just those on American soil who can’t use anymore, as Gauff discovered that her account was also unavailable while being in Australia.
She continued: “My phone, I could not access it after my match. I honestly thought I would be able to get away with it because I was in Australia. I guess it’s something with my number. I don’t know. I have to do some research.”
The former US Open champion is hoping the ban will be lifted so can return again, admitting it was “sad” to see it go after joining before it rebranded.
“Hopefully it comes back. I don’t know. It’s really sad,” Gauff added.
“I’ve been on the app since it was called Musical.ly. Yeah, I love . It’s like an escape. I honestly do that before matches.
“I guess it will force me to read books more, so yeah, be more of a productive human probably. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Everything happens for a reason. I do have a feeling that it will somehow come back.”
As Gauff said, it may not be a bad thing that won’t be around – at least for the rest of the . The 20-year-old is bidding to win her second Grand Slam title and has a tough route to the title.
The third seed takes on world No. 12 in the quarter-final. “I expect her to bring her best. It’s a high-stakes match. But I’m excited. I love competing. I feel like these matches will only make me better,” Gauff said.
Should she win, a showdown with world No. 1 and reigning champion could be on the cards in the semis.