Photo Credit:Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto via Getty
Coco Gauff has opened up about her ongoing battle with self-doubt despite reaching a major milestone at the Miami Open, where she advanced to the semifinals for the first time in her career.
The 22-year-old secured her place in the final four after defeating Belinda Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought match that highlighted both her resilience and mental strength. The victory marks her best-ever performance at the tournament and makes her the youngest American to reach this stage since Serena Williams in 2004.
Following the win, Gauff admitted she still struggles with imposter syndrome, even as her career continues to flourish. “I have to believe that I belong where I am. I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome,” she said. “Even when they're saying my accomplishments during the warm up, it doesn't feel like me.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won the US Open in 2023 and the French Open in 2025, explained that moments of doubt often arise while she is working to improve aspects of her game, particularly her serve. “It just feels like I shouldn't be where I am, but tennis doesn't lie, the ball doesn't lie, so I just have to believe myself,” she added. Gauff credited her coaches for helping her navigate those moments, saying they consistently remind her of her abilities. “Remember who you are,” they tell her, reinforcing her confidence as she continues to develop her game.
Her run in Miami has not been without challenges. Gauff has been pushed to three sets in each of her matches and entered the tournament carrying an arm issue that forced her to retire from a match at Indian Wells. She later revealed the injury was related to a nerve issue, though it has gradually improved throughout the competition.
Despite the physical and mental hurdles, Gauff has continued to find a way through, relying on her determination and composure in key moments. After her quarterfinal victory, she expressed pride in her performance, noting that her level has steadily improved with each match.
“I didn't think I would be in the semis, so I'm really happy and proud of myself,” she said.
Gauff will next face Karolína Muchová for a place in the final, as she looks to continue her impressive run on home soil.
The 22-year-old secured her place in the final four after defeating Belinda Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought match that highlighted both her resilience and mental strength. The victory marks her best-ever performance at the tournament and makes her the youngest American to reach this stage since Serena Williams in 2004.
Following the win, Gauff admitted she still struggles with imposter syndrome, even as her career continues to flourish. “I have to believe that I belong where I am. I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome,” she said. “Even when they're saying my accomplishments during the warm up, it doesn't feel like me.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won the US Open in 2023 and the French Open in 2025, explained that moments of doubt often arise while she is working to improve aspects of her game, particularly her serve. “It just feels like I shouldn't be where I am, but tennis doesn't lie, the ball doesn't lie, so I just have to believe myself,” she added. Gauff credited her coaches for helping her navigate those moments, saying they consistently remind her of her abilities. “Remember who you are,” they tell her, reinforcing her confidence as she continues to develop her game.
Her run in Miami has not been without challenges. Gauff has been pushed to three sets in each of her matches and entered the tournament carrying an arm issue that forced her to retire from a match at Indian Wells. She later revealed the injury was related to a nerve issue, though it has gradually improved throughout the competition.
Despite the physical and mental hurdles, Gauff has continued to find a way through, relying on her determination and composure in key moments. After her quarterfinal victory, she expressed pride in her performance, noting that her level has steadily improved with each match.
“I didn't think I would be in the semis, so I'm really happy and proud of myself,” she said.
Gauff will next face Karolína Muchová for a place in the final, as she looks to continue her impressive run on home soil.