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With emotions running as high as the serves in the high-stakes world of professional tennis, Coco Gauff‘s iconic “please just stop” moment reverberated around the stadium at the US Open 2023. But there’s more to the viral video than meets the eye: a story of perseverance, frustration, and the complex relationship between coach and player.

The 20-year-old’s frustrated cry was answered by legendary American coach Brad Gilbert, who recently shared the little-known tale of how he supported her through the turbulent storm of intense competition. Even though Gauff is known for her tenderness off the court, her ferocious outbursts during close games have come to exemplify her career.

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Coco Gauff’s desire to be “perfect” comes out in form of frustration 

The entire tennis world witnessed the moment when the US Open champion was frustrated by Caroline Wozniacki’s grit during the tournament last year and was left shouting at her coach. But in return, Gilbert calmly accepted the situation at that moment as he knew what was coming next. In a recent conversation with TIME, he stated how even anger and frustration are parts of “wanting to be perfect.”

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Subsequently, in the same conversation, even the world number 3 highlighted how her frustration comes out whenever she makes a mistake on the court. There are times when she glances at her father rather than her coach, as she is more comfortable venting it out on him. But, she vows that she always apologizes in such cases and everybody moves on.

Gilbert stated, “The only thing you ever got to be sorry about is if you didn’t give 100%. You give 100%, sometimes the result is sh-t.” On the other hand, after getting the victory against Wozniacki, she spilled out the reason behind her controversial act with her coach.

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The American prodigy stated, “Sometimes I tell them to chill a little bit. Because I like to think and figure out matches my own way.” This is not the first time she has screamed on  court. Last year, during the WTA finals, she screamed out of frustration while playing against Iga Swiatek.

When Gauff screamed to release pent-up frustration yet another time!

During the match, the 20-year-old tennis player expressed her fury by yelling, “This freaking court,” after the four-time Grand Slam champion defeated her and won her second match at the WTA Finals. The American tennis player reportedly served seven double faults while failing to smash a single ace during the match.

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She did, however, acknowledge her defeat and move on. Safe to say, with the weight of expectations on her young shoulders, she should have the liberty to express her frustration on the court rather than bottling it up, so long as she doesn’t insult or harm anyone.

Nevertheless, what do you think about Gauff’s way of venting out on tennis courts? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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