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Breaking News:Andy Roddick says the reason he believes Coco Gauff gets so much criticism after she wins the French Open title
Breaking News:Andy Roddick says the reason he believes Coco Gauff gets so much criticism after she wins the French Open title
Coco Gauff’s triumph at the 2025 French Open marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning tennis career. At just 21 years old, she clinched her second Grand Slam title in women’s singles, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final on June 7, 2025, with a score of 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4. The match, played under blustery conditions at Roland Garros, showcased Gauff’s resilience as she battled back from a 4-1 deficit in the first set and overcame Sabalenka’s powerful game, which was marred by 70 unforced errors. This victory solidified Gauff’s status as a two-time Grand Slam champion, having previously won the U.S. Open in 2023—also against Sabalenka. Yet, despite her remarkable achievements, Gauff has faced a persistent barrage of criticism. Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick recently weighed in, offering his perspective on why the young American star attracts such scrutiny.
The French Open Triumph: A Display of Grit and Maturity
The 2025 French Open final was a rollercoaster. Gauff, ranked World No. 3 at the time, faced a formidable opponent in Aryna Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline play. After dropping the first set in a tiebreak, Gauff regrouped, dominating the second and third sets to secure the title. This win made her the youngest woman to claim Grand Slam titles on different surfaces—hard court at the U.S. Open and clay at Roland Garros—since Maria Sharapova achieved the feat in 2004 and 2006. Gauff herself reflected on the emotional weight of the victory, noting, “I was going through a lot of things when I lost in this final three years ago,” referencing her 2022 French Open final loss to Iga Swiatek. “I’m just happy to be here, a lot of dark thoughts. Just the fact that I stayed, too, it just means a lot.”
Her performance was lauded for its maturity, with analysts pointing to a crucial decision during the match—likely her tactical adjustments and composure under pressure—as a testament to her growth. However, even as she etched her name into the record books, the criticism that has shadowed her career persisted, prompting Andy Roddick to address the issue head-on.
Andy Roddick’s Theory: The Burden of Fame and Success
On his Served podcast, Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open men’s singles champion, congratulated Gauff and expressed his admiration for her character and talent. “Congratulations to Coco Gauff,” he began. “I’m happy for tennis. I’m happy for her because I just like and respect her so much.” Yet, he quickly pivoted to the core issue: the disproportionate criticism Gauff faces. Roddick, a former World No. 1 who experienced intense scrutiny during his own career, offered a compelling theory: Gauff’s early success, fame, and marketability make her a constant focal point, amplifying both praise and critique.
“And I think she takes a lot of criticism all the time because she is wildly famous and wildly successful and wildly marketable and we wildly need to talk about her all the time,” Roddick explained. “And therefore, it probably leans to the point where she’s sick and tired of hearing from us. And you know what? Happy to shut up. Happy to. Way to go, Coco. You’re a champion, Roland Garros champion, U.S. Open champion. Second of many more, I think.”
Roddick’s analysis points to a cycle driven by Gauff’s unique position in the sport. At 21, she’s already a global superstar, with endorsement deals, media appearances, and a massive following. Her breakthrough came at age 15 when she stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, thrusting her into the spotlight. Since then, her every move—on and off the court—has been dissected. Roddick suggests that this relentless attention, fueled by her success and appeal, creates a feedback loop where criticism becomes inevitable, even after monumental wins like the French Open.
The Context of Criticism: On and Off the Court
Gauff’s critics have targeted various aspects of her career. On the court, some have questioned her consistency, pointing to setbacks like her surprise quarterfinal loss to Paula Badosa at the 2025 Australian Open and back-to-back opening-round defeats in Doha and Dubai. These stumbles, typical for any young player navigating the grueling WTA tour, were magnified by her high profile. Off the court, her appearance at the 2025 Oscars, just before the Indian Wells tournament, drew ire from some who claimed she was distracted by “non-tennis things.” Roddick defended her then, arguing that Gauff approaches her career with professionalism and seriousness, and such appearances are part of her broader persona as a public figure.
The French Open win itself wasn’t immune to controversy. Sabalenka’s post-match comments, perceived by some as contentious, sparked a brief exchange, with Gauff delivering a sharp response before Sabalenka clarified her intent. While this subplot briefly shifted focus, it underscored how Gauff’s actions—and those around her—are constantly under a microscope.
A Broader Perspective: The Price of Stardom
Roddick’s theory aligns with a broader pattern in sports, where young, successful, and marketable athletes face heightened scrutiny. Gauff’s status as the top-ranked American woman, combined with her poise, activism, and appeal, makes her a lightning rod for opinions. Her advocacy on social issues, inspired by figures like Billie Jean King, and her polished media presence amplify her visibility, inviting both admiration and critique. Comparisons to legends like Serena Williams, who also faced intense scrutiny early in her career, are inevitable but often unfair, given Gauff’s youth and ongoing development.
Roddick’s empathy for Gauff reflects his own experience. As a young American star in the early 2000s, he navigated pressure and criticism en route to his U.S. Open title. His defense of Gauff—coupled with his lighthearted offer to “shut up”—suggests an understanding of how exhausting the spotlight can be. He sees her French Open win as a stepping stone, predicting “many more” titles, a nod to her potential to dominate for years to come.
No Rest for the Champion: Onward to Wimbledon
Despite the triumph, Gauff has little time to savor her Roland Garros success. Wimbledon, the third major of 2025, looms at the end of June. As she prepares for the grass courts, the criticism may fade temporarily, but the pressure to perform will not. Her ability to tune out the noise, as Roddick implies she’s “sick and tired” of, will be crucial. The tennis world, fans, and media will continue to “talk about her all the time,” but Gauff’s focus and maturity—evident in her French Open comeback—suggest she’s equipped to handle it.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Resilience
Coco Gauff’s 2025 French Open victory was a testament to her skill, grit, and growth, yet the criticism persists. Andy Roddick’s theory—that her fame, success, and marketability fuel a constant stream of scrutiny—offers a compelling lens to understand this dynamic. At 21, Gauff has already achieved what many dream of, joining an elite group of multi-surface Grand Slam champions. As she navigates the highs and lows of stardom, Roddick’s words of praise and support—“Way to go, Coco”—echo the sentiment of fans who see her as a rising force. The criticism may not stop, but neither will Gauff, a champion poised for even greater heights.
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