Coco Gauff got support from Olympic champion Gabby Thomas after the World No. 3 made an unexpected exit from the 2025 Australian Open. The American tennis star also got a reaction from her mother, Candi Gauff.

Gauff had an excellent start to the 2025 season as she won five consecutive matches at the United Cup, and alongside Taylor Fritz took Team USA to the title. At the Australian Open, she was the third seed, and her current form made her a strong favorite for the title.

At the Melbourne Major, the American player won her matches with conviction, outpowering and outplaying her opponents in the first four rounds. In the quarterfinal, she faced 11th-seeded Paula Badosa. Gauff, being on a nine-match winning streak was the favorite to win the match. However, the Spaniard put up a gritty performance, winning 7-5, 6-4, and knocking the third seed out of the event.

After her exit, Gauff shared a three-word message on her Instagram, signaling her intent to move forward from the loss and get ready for the rest of the season

“Back to work,” Gauff wrote. (via Instagram)

This message drew a reaction from 5-time Olympic medallist Gabby Thomas. Thomas’ message had two “clapping hands” emojis and one “smiling face with horns” emoji.

The post also drew a reaction from Coco’s mother Candi Gauff who posted a heart emoji

Gauff will now aim to have a successful stint in the Middle East with WTA 1000 events lined up in Qatar and Dubai.

“I have to be aggressive”- Coco Gauff after her Australian Open loss

After her loss to Paula Badosa, Coco Gauff shared an honest assessment of her performance. The World No. 3 felt that she was not aggressive enough on the court.

“I have to be aggressive,…I feel like that’s when I’m playing my best. That’s how I won most of the matches so far the last few months is by playing aggressive. I think it’s just being more comfortable with that”. said Gauff (via wtatennis.com)

Gauff also stated that being aggressive was a shift from her natural game style. She said that some losses were to be expected due to the change, but it would benefit her in the long run.

“I’m making a shift in my game. I haven’t always played that aggressive, so I have to expect [losses] early on. I do have faith that it will be more of an instinct instead of second guessing.” added Gauff (via wtatennis.com)

2025 will be the first full season in which Gauff will work with new coach Matt Daly, whom she hired in the latter half of the 2024 season.