American tennis star Coco Gauff recently revealed that she ignored a message from Carlos Alcaraz during the early days of her career. The incident dates back to the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, where Gauff, just 15 at the time, impressed by reaching the fourth round. The incident left many tennis fans in stitches as they shared their reactions later.
Fans React to Coco Gauff’s Candid Revelation of an Incident Involving Her and Carlos Alcaraz
Both players were aiming to gain a foothold in professional tennis in 2019. At the Wimbledon Championship that year, Gauff entered the main draw after getting past three qualifying matches, eventually exiting the tournament in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Alcaraz played in the junior category and finished as a quarterfinalist.
Speaking to the Bleacher Report, the American revealed that Alcaraz had texted him after her Wimbledon campaign that year; however, she didn’t respond.
“I think I did well at Wimbledon in 2019, and Alcaraz actually DM’d me saying ‘Hey Coco do you remember me? Because we apparently won Junior Fed Cup the same time, both oour countries. And I didn’t remember him, so I didn’t respond,” she said.
Gauff later confessed she regretted ignoring the message, especially as she congratulated Alcaraz on his US Open win years later.
“Obviously like 4,5,6 maybe years later he won US Open then I DM’d him congratulations. But if you look at our DM’s our spread is like, hey do you remember me? And me DM’ing him congratulations. I felt bad that I didn’t respond,” she added.
Coco Gauff on not responding to Carlos Alcaraz’ DM
“I did well at Wimbledon 2019 & Alcaraz DM’d me saying ‘Hey Coco do you remember me?’ I didn’t respond. Years later he won US Open. I DM’d him congratulations” 😂
(via @BleacherReport)
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 28, 2025
Several fans reacted humorously to this update, with one joking:
“Carlos had to start winning big tournaments so girls would stop ignoring him 😶”
Carlos musiał zacząć wygrywać wielkie turnieje, żeby dziewczyny przestały go ignorować 😶 https://t.co/Ls7GEPRhhF
— Team Resovia (@ambrossia95) May 28, 2025
“Wait Carlos and Coco could have been a thing 😒 Coco should have answered the dm,” another said.
Wait Carlos and Coco could have been a thing 😒 Coco should have answered the dm https://t.co/MNfVtPl75K
— FunsizeKeem (Chicago 6/6- 6/9) (@AkeemCrain)
“They should ask Carlos about this please. I need to hear his side of the story 😂,” a user commented.
They should ask Carlos about this please. I need to hear his side of the story 😂 https://t.co/DAT4JizXMs
— Femi (@sure_boiiii)
A fan joked that Alcaraz gave his all at the 2022 US Open just to get a reply from Gauff, even playfully quoting Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.
“Alcaraz got aired so he decided to put his life on the line during 2022 US open playing 3 five setters just to get a Coco’s reply,” they said.
Alcaraz got aired so he decided to put his life on the line during 2022 US open playing 3 five setters just to get a Coco’s reply https://t.co/WypxZsozH7 pic.twitter.com/XeT8WdZGMS
— Stefano (@TrolledByNovak) May 28, 2025
“Idk If this is more embarrassing for her or for Carlos lol 😂😂,” a user wrote.
Idk If this is more embarrassing for her or for Carlos lol 😂😂 https://t.co/AAxExOkT44
— ru (@lonelyheartramp)
Gauff and Alcaraz would later emerge as breakout stars in their respective categories. The 21-year-old American has claimed nine WTA singles titles so far in her career, including the 2023 US Open and the WTA Finals title last year. The Spaniard, meanwhile, has won 19 ATP singles titles, including four Grand Slams.
Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff Progressing Steadily at the 2025 French Open
Alcaraz and Gauff are both currently competing at the 2025 French Open, with the Spaniard reaching the third round and the American securing a spot in the second. Alcaraz, who had a great buildup to Roland Garros with titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, will face Damir Džumhur next.
Meanwhile, Gauff, who entered Paris following runner-up finishes in Madrid and Rome, will face Czech teenager Tereza Valentova in the second round of the French Open.
If Alcaraz prevails, he would face the 13th seed Ben Shelton or Matteo Gigante in the fourth round. As for Gauff, she will face Sonay Kartal or Marie Bouzkova in the third round if she comes out on top.
