A Champion’s Struggle: Coco Gauff Opens Up About Her Love-Hate Relationship With Tennis
In a rare and deeply personal conversation, American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has opened up about the challenges she has faced in her relationship with the sport that made her a global superstar. Despite her rapid rise to fame and an impressive list of achievements, the 19-year-old has revealed that there were moments when she “just didn’t feel great on the court.”
Gauff’s candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mental and emotional toll that professional sports can have on young athletes, even those who appear to be thriving in the limelight. The reigning US Open champion shared how her journey in tennis has not always been smooth and how she has navigated the ups and downs of her career.
From Prodigy to Grand Slam Champion: The Pressure of Expectations
Coco Gauff burst onto the tennis scene at the age of 15 when she defeated her idol, Venus Williams, in the first round of Wimbledon 2019. The victory instantly catapulted her to fame, and she was heralded as the next big star in women’s tennis. However, with success came immense pressure.
“I was just a kid who loved playing tennis, but suddenly, I was being called the future of the sport,” Gauff admitted. “It was a lot to take in. I didn’t always know how to handle it.”
She went from being a teenage sensation to a consistent contender at major tournaments. But behind the scenes, the pressure was mounting. There were moments when she felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon her.
“There were times when I didn’t even know if I wanted to keep playing. I love the sport, but I also struggled with it,” she said. “People see you winning, and they assume everything is great. But sometimes, I just didn’t feel great on the court.”
Struggles With Confidence and Self-Doubt
Despite her success, Gauff has openly spoken about periods of self-doubt. While many saw her as a rising star, she sometimes questioned her abilities.
“I’ve had matches where I didn’t believe in myself, where I felt like I wasn’t good enough,” Gauff revealed. “I know it sounds crazy because I’ve won big matches, but even champions struggle with confidence.”
Her journey has been marked by both incredible highs and difficult lows. The losses, especially in high-stakes tournaments, took a toll on her mentally. “After tough losses, I would overanalyze everything,” she said. “I would replay points in my head, wondering what I could have done differently.”
The Turning Point: A Renewed Mindset
Gauff’s breakthrough moment came in 2023 when she won the US Open, silencing critics and proving to herself that she belonged at the top. It was a victory that meant more than just a trophy—it was validation of her resilience.
“The US Open was a turning point for me,” she said. “I had to remind myself why I play tennis—not for the expectations, not for the rankings, but because I love the game.”
She credits her family, especially her parents, for helping her navigate the emotional challenges of being in the spotlight. “They’ve always supported me, not just as an athlete but as a person,” she said. “That made all the difference.”
Mental Health in Tennis: Breaking the Silence
Gauff is not the only tennis star to speak openly about mental health. In recent years, several top players, including Naomi Osaka and Iga Świątek, have highlighted the psychological demands of the sport.
“Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical,” Gauff said. “If your mind isn’t in the right place, it’s hard to perform at your best.”
She hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can encourage other young athletes to speak openly about their struggles. “It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to feel like you’re not okay,” she said. “What matters is finding a way to keep going.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Beyond Tennis?
While Gauff remains committed to her tennis career, she is also thinking about life beyond the sport. “Tennis is a big part of my life, but it’s not my whole life,” she said. “I have other interests, and I want to explore them.”
She has already expressed a passion for activism, education, and business. “I want to use my platform for more than just tennis,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the world.”
For now, though, she is focused on continuing her journey in the sport she has loved—and struggled with—for years.
“Tennis has given me so much, but it has also challenged me in ways I never expected,” Gauff concluded. “I’m still learning, still growing. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful for the journey.”
Coco Gauff’s story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the power of self-discovery. Her words serve as a reminder that even the brightest stars face darkness—but it’s how they navigate it that defines them.