American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has provided a candid explanation for her father's notable absence from her player's box during her third-round victory at the Australian Open on Friday. The world-class athlete overcame a challenging start to defeat compatriot Hailey Baptiste with a score of 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, securing her place in the tournament's fourth round.
Family Decision to Manage Courtside Intensity
Corey Gauff, Coco's father and a constant presence throughout her career, was deliberately kept out of the player's box during the match. This strategic family decision stems from his difficulty controlling emotional reactions courtside, which the young champion revealed with good humour during post-match interviews.
"The reason why is he can't control his reactions," Gauff told reporters with a smile. "It's not necessarily for me but for him. I told him, 'We've just got to cut it'." She confirmed that while her father was absent from her direct view, he remained somewhere within Melbourne Park during her match.
Historical Pattern of Strategic Absences
This isn't the first time Corey Gauff has watched his daughter's major victories from alternative locations. Gauff recounted an amusing anecdote from her 2023 US Open final triumph, revealing that her father was actually in the gym during the decisive moments.
"I heard when I won the US Open he was in the gym, and the TV was behind so the gym attendant had to tell him I actually won," Gauff shared. "So he needed to run out and greet me in the crowd." Similarly, during her French Open victory last year, her father was noted to be "pacing and locked in on screens around the site" rather than courtside.
Technical Improvements and Tournament Progress
Despite a nervous opening set against world number 70 Baptiste, Gauff demonstrated significant improvement in her service game - an area that has drawn criticism in the past for double-fault issues. Her enhanced performance sets up an intriguing fourth-round clash against Czech 19th seed Karolina Muchova.
Reflecting on her technical development, Gauff stated: "I think at this point I have the right motion. I feel like I'm working on the right things. Now it's just trying to, I guess, erase old demons and actually do it. Hopefully, as I continue to get better with that stroke, I think the results will be more consistent because I actually will not be giving away 20 points in a match from double-faulting."
Australian Open Ambitions
While Gauff has yet to claim the Australian Open title, her best performance came in 2024 when she reached the semi-finals. The current tournament represents another opportunity to improve upon that achievement, with her family's unique support system - including her father's strategic viewing locations - playing a distinctive role in her campaign.
The 19-year-old's ability to manage both the technical and emotional aspects of her game, while maintaining strong family bonds through unconventional arrangements, demonstrates the multifaceted approach required at tennis's highest level. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gauff's continued development and whether her refined service game can propel her toward championship success in Melbourne.
