Even successful tennis stars deal can have self-esteem issues. Coco Gauff admits that despite all the praise she gets on the court, she often feels it’s undeserved. The two-time Grand Slam singles champion admits that sometimes she “can get imposter syndrome.”
When receiving praise for her game, the American says it doesn’t always register in the moment. She says that she is constantly aiming to fine-tune her skills. Coco admits that reminding herself about her capabilities is something she constantly must do.
The 22-year-old tennis star is making history
Coco may be as humble as they come among athletes. After advancing into the semi-finals of the Miami Open, she confessed that sometimes “it just feels like I shouldn’t be where I am.” She was critical of her serve before making that comment. The American registered five double faults in her three-set victory over Belinda Bencic in the quarter-finals.
At 22, Coco is the youngest American woman to reach the final four of the Miami Open since Serena Williams in 2004. That was the same year that Coco was born. Keeping her emotions in check has not always been so easy for the Florida-born player. In January, Coco raised eyebrows after smashing her racket at the Australian Open. This occurred after she’d lost her quarter-final meeting with Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
Coco’s health has been a major talking point in the past. She had to pull out of the Indian Wells Open after suffering an arm injury, forfeiting her contest versus Alex Eala. Tests later revealed that her injury was the result of a nerve issue.
When she was only 15, Coco debuted on the WTA tour at the 2019 Miami Open. In the semi-finals, Coco will face 13th-seeded Karolína Muchóva. Coco is aiming to become the second American woman to win the Miami Open singles title since Danielle Collins in 2024.
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS A COMMON FEELING AMONGST PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS?
