Coco Gauff recently opened up about experiencing imposter syndrome at times in her career and how she works to overcome it. The American made the admission following her victory over Belinda Bencic to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open in what has been a demanding campaign.
Coco Gauff Speaks on Her Imposter Syndrome Amid Semifinal Run at the Miami Open
Gauff endured another stern test against Belinda Bencic, rallying from a third-set deficit to book her place in the semifinals. Trailing by a break and growing frustrated after failing to convert multiple opportunities, Gauff showed resilience when it mattered most. She broke back midway through the decider and eventually sealed a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory in two hours and 15 minutes.
It is worth noting that Gauff arrived in Miami with limited preparation after her Indian Wells campaign was cut short by an arm injury. Despite this, she has shown remarkable resilience in a demanding run in which all her matches went the distance.
Following her win over Bencic, Gauff was asked in her press conference about what her run in Miami amid physical struggles says about her. Gauff explained that her run reflects her strong mentality, but admitted she sometimes struggles with imposter syndrome, finding it hard to accept her achievements, even as she continues working on her game, particularly her serve.
“I think it just shows like my mind, and it’s just all about mentality out there at the end of the day. And, I think I have to believe that. I belong where I am. I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome. And you know, even when they’re saying my accomplishments when I walk or when I’m during the warm-up, it doesn’t feel like me, and I’m like, “Oh, I actually do have a good career.”
“But it doesn’t feel like that sometimes in the moment because you’re just working on things, and you know, especially with my serve, it just feels like I don’t know that I shouldn’t be where I am,” she said in her press conference.
However, positive results eventually help Gauff change her perspective. She is learning to trust herself more, with her coach, Gavin MacMillan, reminding her of her ability as she works to build consistent belief in her game.
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“But, tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie. So, I just have to believe myself, and the coach has been reminding me, remember who you are and you’re a good player, and I think they’ve been putting that into my head, and at moments I believe in and moments I don’t. So I’m just trying to believe it more.
Nonetheless, Gauff now turns her full attention to the Miami title, standing just two wins away. She will next face 13th seed KarolÃna Muchová in their sixth meeting on tour, with the American holding a commanding 5-0 head-to-head edge. The matchup appears favorable for Gauff, who is also narrowly backed by PFSN’s simulator with a 51% chance of advancing.
