Coco Gauff is winning matches at one of the biggest tournaments of her season. Yet, she says her toughest opponent can still be herself.
The 22-year-old American advanced to the Miami Open semifinals this week. She defeated Belinda Bencic in three sets to reach the stage for the first time in her career.
Despite the milestone, Gauff acknowledged she continues to wrestle with self-doubt.
“I think sometimes I can get impostor syndrome,” Gauff said.
She added that even hearing her accomplishments announced does not always feel real.
“Even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on or during the warm-up, it doesn’t feel like me,” she said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, actually, you do have a good career.’”
A breakthrough shadowed by doubt
Gauff’s run in Miami marks a significant step forward. She had not advanced beyond the fourth round in six previous appearances.
Her victory also made her the youngest American to reach the semifinals at the event since Serena Williams in 2004.
Still, Gauff said progress on the court does not always translate into confidence off it.
“But it doesn’t feel like that sometimes,” she said. “When you’re working on things, and especially with my serve, it just feels like I shouldn’t be where I am.”
Her comments highlight a recurring theme in elite sports. Success does not always eliminate uncertainty.
Gauff has already built a résumé that includes multiple Grand Slam titles and a rise to world No. 4.
Yet she described confidence as something that must be reinforced daily.
Learning to believe
Gauff credited her coaching team for helping her navigate those moments.
“My coach has been reminding me: ‘Remember who you are, and you’re a good player,’” she said.
She emphasized that belief remains a work in progress.
“At moments I believe in it, at moments I don’t,” Gauff said. “So I’m just trying to believe it more.”
Her mindset reflects the mental demands of the sport, where performance and confidence are closely linked.
“Tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie,” she said.
As the Miami Open continues, Gauff remains one of the tournament’s top contenders.