• Coco Gauff mourned TikTok's removal from app stores in the U.S. after her Australian Open victory.
• She wrote "RIP TikTok USA" on a camera lens following her match against Belinda Bencic.
• The U.S. federal law triggered TikTok's unavailability as of Saturday.
• Gauff emphasized TikTok's significance for small businesses and creators.
• Despite the platform's challenges, she believes users will adapt to new apps.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Following her triumphant match at the Australian Open, American tennis sensation Coco Gauff took a moment to reflect on the recent challenges facing the popular social media app, TikTok. In a heartfelt gesture, Gauff inscribed “RIP TikTok USA” on a TV camera lens, accompanied by a broken heart, right after securing her place in the quarterfinals with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win over Belinda Bencic. This tribute came shortly after TikTok was rendered inaccessible in prominent app stores across the United States.

Gauff's victory, marked by a celebratory message, was completed on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne, approximately an hour after the app's controversial unavailability took effect. The tennis tradition of players writing messages on camera lenses after wins allows them to share personal reflections, with Gauff contemplating her words before choosing to highlight TikTok's plight.

The implications of a recent U.S. federal law mandating the app's removal remain significant. This law, requiring the sale of TikTok from its China-based parent company ByteDance or face a ban, has sparked widespread discussions on the platform's future. Gauff had previously voiced her concerns, stating, “I feel this is the third or fourth time this has happened... If I wake up and it doesn’t work, fine. I’m done wasting my time figuring it out.”

Despite these developments, Gauff expressed hope for TikTok, mentioning that it plays a vital role for numerous creators and small businesses in the U.S. She noted the platform's capacity for storytelling and connection: “I hope it will stay, but obviously I don’t know all the security issues and things like that.” Many users finding challenges with TikTok are reportedly migrating to alternative platforms, such as RedNote, showcasing a shift in social media engagement regardless of TikTok's fate.

Gauff, now a seasoned player at 20, stands ranked No. 3 and is already a U.S. Open champion, which highlights her influence and connection with younger audiences through platforms like TikTok. Fellow tennis professionals, including the world's top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, have echoed sentiments of concern, expressing their love for TikTok and hope for a resolution.

As the situation develops, Gauff's actions resonate with many who cherish TikTok's unique role in social media culture and entrepreneurship. To read more about Coco Gauff's tribute and the ongoing TikTok situation, visit AP News or explore the detailed coverage on the HuffPost.