Coco Gauff Reflects on Challenges Ahead of Miami Open
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — On the eve of the Miami Open, Coco Gauff addressed the conversation surrounding her performance, especially during recent losing streaks encountered earlier this season. The 21-year-old tennis star, who clinched the U.S. Open title in 2023, emphasized that losses are an inherent part of professional sports and not necessarily indicative of personal distress.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Gauff acknowledged that fans often express concern when she experiences back-to-back defeats, recalling a three-match losing streak at the Australian Open, followed by early exits in Qatar and Dubai. “Sometimes when I don’t do well, people think there’s something personally wrong with me,” Gauff stated. She reassured fans, saying, “I just lost a couple of matches! I’m chillin’.”
Upcoming Challenges at the Miami Open
With a first-round bye as the No. 3 seed in the tournament, Gauff is set to begin her campaign against either Petra Kvitova or Sofia Kenin in the second round. The Miami Open, taking place at the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, is particularly special for Gauff, who considers it her “home tournament.” Despite her previous challenges at this event, Gauff aims to improve her record in Miami where she has yet to progress beyond the fourth round, holding a 6-5 record there.
Adapting Her Game
Gauff has been actively making adjustments to her game, particularly focusing on her serve and forehand after reevaluating her coaching lineup post-U.S. Open. “I still feel like I have a couple more years… to reach the point where every week is a great week,” she noted, underlining her commitment to continual improvement.
Insights from Recent Matches
Her most recent exit occurred in the fourth round of the Indian Wells, where she faced Belinda Bencic. In a closely contested match, Bencic pointed out that Gauff appeared tense, which influenced her strategic decisions during critical points of the game. “I felt like she was more tense, so I felt like that was the right time to go for her forehand,” Bencic remarked.
Registration as a Top Player
Gauff recognizes the heightened expectations that accompany her status as a top-five player in the world. “It is tough, sometimes, when everyone is saying, ‘Oh, (lost) two matches in a row,’” she said, acknowledging that such discussions would likely not arise if she weren’t ranked so highly. “That comes with being at the top. You’re expected to win. And I expect myself to win, as well.”
As Gauff prepares to take the court at the Miami Open, she remains focused on her personal growth as an athlete and continues to embrace the challenges that come with the sport.
