TikTok tribute from Coco Gauff at Australian Open: finding the positive

After winning the Aussie Open, Gauff inscribed a message on her camera lens.

TikTok tribute from Coco Gauff at Australian Open: finding the positive
TikTok tribute from Coco Gauff at Australian Open: finding the positive

Coco Gauff celebrated her Australian Open victory over Belinda Bencic with a nod to TikTok, despite the app being unavailable for Americans back home.

Gauff, with a broken heart, wrote "RIP TikTok USA" on a camera lens after defeating Bencic, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the first Grand Slam event of the season. Gauff had over 750,000 followers on the app before it was shut down.

Coco Gauff's TikTok message
Coco Gauff writes "RIP Tik Tok USA" after defeating Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

After the match, she admitted that she couldn't access it and thought she could get away with it because she was in Australia. She shared her disappointment with reporters via ESPN, saying, "I hope it comes back. I've been using the app since it was called Musical.ly."

"TikTok is my escape. I use it before matches. Perhaps it will motivate me to read more books and become a more productive person. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise."

On Saturday night, American users were unable to access TikTok as the app was officially banned. Users received a message stating, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now."

Unfortunately, a law banning TikTok in the U.S. means you can't use the app at present.

Coco Gauff hits back
Coco Gauff returns a shot from Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

"We are fortunate that President Trump has stated he will collaborate with us to restore TikTok once he assumes office. Please remain vigilant!"

On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Trump announced on Truth Social that he would sign an executive order to delay the implementation of the ban.

I am urging companies not to let TikTok remain in the dark. On Monday, I will sign an executive order to delay the implementation of the law's restrictions, allowing us to negotiate a deal to safeguard our national security. The order will also absolve any company that assisted in keeping TikTok operational prior to my order.

"On Monday, Americans should be able to witness our thrilling Inauguration, in addition to other events and discussions."

TikTok logo on a phone
A TikTok logo is shown on a phone in San Francisco, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Trump stated that he desired the U.S. to possess a "50% stake in a shared enterprise."

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by Ryan Gaydos

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