Coco Gauff is making waves at the 2023 US Open, matching her best-ever result at a Grand Slam tournament. The 19-year-old American tennis prodigy attributes her exceptional performance to a more relaxed and joyful mindset on the court. According to Gauff, she is truly savoring the process of having a tennis career, embracing both the highs and the lows.
Gauff’s remarkable run in the tournament includes victories over Laura Siegemund, Mirra Andreeva, Elise Mertens, Caroline Wozniacki, and Jelena Ostapenko. This achievement not only marks her best performance at a home Grand Slam but also makes her the first American teenager since Serena Williams to advance to the semifinals of the US Open.
In an interview with Insider, Gauff expressed her confidence in her preparation and execution, but at the same time, she emphasized that she is not overly concerned about the outcome. She is genuinely enjoying the journey of her tennis career and understands that success and setbacks are part of the process. Gauff acknowledges that she is currently thriving, but she remains aware that tough times may lie ahead.
Gauff’s journey to the US Open began in August when she won two of her four career WTA singles titles. At the Citi Open, she defeated several top-20 players en route to clinching the championship. She then triumphed over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 17 Karolina Muchova at the Cincinnati Masters. Two new additions to Gauff’s team, Pere Riba and Brad Gilbert, have played a significant role in her newfound perspective, allowing her to play with more freedom on the court. Gilbert’s ability to inject humor into practice sessions helps Gauff release the pressure and enjoy the game.
Gauff admits that she used to bottle up her joy while playing, but she has now learned to have fun, smile, and laugh on the court. She is playing with a carefree attitude, reminiscent of her early years when she stunned Venus Williams at just 15 years old. The weight of expectations and external pressures threatened to take away the joy she found in tennis, but Gauff has realized that perfection is unattainable, and failure is part of the learning process. Gauff’s mindset has shifted, allowing her to bounce back quickly from losses and apply the lessons learned in future matches.
While many players struggle with the pressure and expectations, Gauff has managed to put her perspective into clearer focus. She acknowledges the privilege and support she receives as a professional athlete, emphasizing that real pressure exists in situations where people struggle to meet basic needs. Gauff feels fortunate to be paid to do what she loves and recognizes that she shouldn’t take it for granted.
The change in Gauff’s mindset is evident not only in her results but also in her energy and demeanor on the court. Even NBA superstar Jimmy Butler, a close friend of Gauff’s and a tennis enthusiast, has noticed the transformation. Butler observed the joy and renewed passion in Gauff’s game, recognizing the impact of a positive mentality on performance.
Gauff believes that talent alone is not enough and that a strong mentality is essential for success. Butler’s mindset serves as an inspiration for her, and she values the lessons she has learned from him. Gauff wants people to understand that the recent shift in her game is not a result of any extraordinary event but rather a change in mindset and mental approach.
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