Coco Gauff Mourns TikTok Ban While Advancing to Australian Open Quarterfinals

The world number two pays tribute to the app’s discontinuation in the U.S. after reaching the next stage of the Australian Open.

Coco Gauff marked her Australian Open quarterfinals victory with a tribute to TikTok, writing “RIP TikTok USA” and drawing a broken heart on a camera lens, following the popular social media app’s shutdown in the United States.

TikTok, used by over 170 million Americans, was removed from the Apple and Google app stores ahead of a new law set to take effect on Sunday, mandating the app’s discontinuation in the U.S.

Gauff, who boasts over 750,000 followers on TikTok, expressed her disappointment during a post-match press conference. She admitted that with the app no longer available on her phone in Melbourne, she might have more time to focus on other interests.

“I honestly thought I’d be able to get away with it since I’m in Australia,” said Gauff, who triumphed over Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals. “I guess it’s something to do with my number. I don’t know. I have to do some research."

“Hopefully, it comes back. It’s really sad. I love TikTok. It’s like an escape. I honestly use it before matches,” she added. “I guess it’ll force me to read books more, be more productive. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump indicated he would likely grant TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after taking office, leading Gauff to remain hopeful that the app would return.

Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, who also has a massive following on TikTok, expressed similar concerns. The Belarusian, with over 500,000 followers on the app, recreated one of her viral dance videos with fans at Rod Laver Arena following her opening round victory.

“This isn’t something we can control, and I hope they figure it out, because I love TikTok,” said Sabalenka.