The young starlet who shook the tennis scene at the age of 20, Coco Gauff, is indeed a unique character. On the court, fans are mesmerized by her athleticism and court coverage. Off the court, though, she exudes a laid-back charm that has endeared her to many. The 20-year-old is very close with the American tennis fraternity, particularly with players like Madison Keys, Ben Shelton, and Chris Eubanks. Yet, the demands of touring mean that these friendships are often maintained from a distance. Thankfully, living in the digital age means that a friend is just a text message or call away. That’s a win for Coco, right? Well, almost!

On Monday, the 2023 US Open champion talked to Tennis Channel after her impressive 7-6(1), 6-2 win against Maria Sakkari. Now in the pre-quarterfinals in the Californian desert, she shared a candid revelation about her communication preferences. When asked if she prefers texting or calling, Gauff responded with a rather Gen Z answer: “I’m definitely a texter. If somebody calls me, I’ll decline the call and act like I’m busy.” As the World number 3, she likely values her downtime, especially after hours on the court.

But who would have thought that the nine-year-old who once danced to ‘Call Me Maybe’ at the US Open’s Kids’ Day in 2012 isn’t too keen on telephonic communication? However, Gauff defends her preference, saying, “I don’t know, I don’t like talking on the phone. If we can talk through text let’s answer through text.” This approach might have its pros and cons, though. For instance, she recently had to choose the best and worst texters on her contact list. Without hesitation, she picked Ben Shelton and Jessica Pegula as her top choices.

According to Gauff, Shelton, an ATP pro, often responds a day late, after plans have already been executed. Meanwhile, Pegula tends to go MIA after initiating hangouts via text. But Coco is firm in her stance, stating, “I hate when people call me for stuff that can be answered on text.”

Well, seems like if you want to get in touch with Coco, you better send her a text! But unless you’re a tennis pro or the legendary Serena Williams, who happens to be the most famous name on her contact list, you might find it easier to reach out through social media.

Interestingly, Coco’s dislike for phone calls might also stem from past disruptions. For the unversed, during the 2023 Mubadala Citi DC Open, her phone rang nonstop following her win against Sakkari. The problem? It happened in the middle of her press conference! Claiming that her brother and father were ringing her to convey their congrats, she wasn’t too happy with the interruption!

Coco Gauff left embarrassed after receiving multiple phone calls

Coco Gauff‘s phone was buzzing nonstop after she clinched her first WTA 500 title at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in 2023. Following her impressive 6-2, 6-3 win over Maria Sakkari, the American sensation was on a roll, both on and off the court. As she sat down for her champion’s press conference, her phone suddenly caught all the spotlight. First, a FaceTime call from her brother interrupted her thoughtful answers. “I’m at press right now, bro,” Gauff said with a laugh. “I’ve got to call you later!” She playfully teased him, noting, “That’s the first time he’s called me in, like, two months. I’m not even kidding. I’m usually the one calling him.”

Just as Gauff resumed her press conference, her dad, Corey Gauff, called, causing another pause. “Now my dad is calling,” she exclaimed, “Oh, my God!” The interruptions added a lighthearted touch to the press conference, showcasing Gauff’s down-to-earth personality. Despite the chaos, she handled it all with humor and grace, making the moment unforgettable.

Coco is now gearing up for her next challenge at the Indian Wells, where she’ll face off against Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16. The question on everyone’s mind: Can she repeat her Australian Open victory against the Swiss player? What do you think?