Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis star, expressed her disappointment after TikTok was banned in the United States. Following her victory over Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the Australian Open, Gauff shared her feelings on social media, writing “RIP TikTok USA” along with a broken heart emoji on a camera lens. The ban, which went into effect hours before a new law was to be implemented, stems from concerns about the platform’s ties to the Chinese government.
Gauff’s Response to TikTok Ban
Gauff, who is known for her engaging presence on social media, admitted that the ban made her “sad,” but also joked that it might push her to become more productive. “Hopefully, it comes back. It’s really sad. I love TikTok,” Gauff said. “It’s like an escape. I honestly do that before matches.” The 20-year-old added that the situation could be a “blessing in disguise” as it would encourage her to read more books and become a more productive person.
TikTok Ban Impact on Gauff’s Social Media Routine
As one of the most popular athletes on TikTok with over 750,000 followers, Gauff expressed her initial surprise at the ban, especially since she was in Melbourne at the time of the law’s enforcement. “I honestly thought I’d be able to get away with it,” Gauff said, speculating that her high follower count might have been a factor in the ban. “I have to do some research,” she added, reflecting on the unexpected change.
Support from Other Athletes: Aryna Sabalenka’s Hope for TikTok Reprieve
Other athletes, like defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, have also expressed their hope that the TikTok ban will be reversed. The Belarusian, who has over 500,000 followers on the platform, shared her disappointment and wished for a resolution. “This isn’t something we can control, and I hope they’re going to figure it out because I love TikTok,” Sabalenka said after her victory over Mirra Andreeva.
Future of TikTok for Athletes Amid U.S. Ban
The TikTok ban in the U.S. has left many athletes and influencers questioning their future presence on the platform. With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump signaling a possible 90-day reprieve, there is still hope among users like Gauff and Sabalenka that the ban will be lifted. As the situation continues to unfold, these athletes are adjusting to the changing social media landscape, focusing on their tennis careers and adapting to new routines.
In conclusion, while the TikTok ban has been a blow to many, including Coco Gauff, it also opens up opportunities for athletes to focus on other productive activities, like reading. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the platform’s future in the U.S. will impact both influencers and everyday users.
MUHAMMAD FITRAH RAJASA