American tennis star Coco Gauff gears up to defend her French Open title in Paris. She arrives at the tournament seeded fourth after her impressive run to the finals of the Italian Open, where she faced Elina Svitolina. At just 22 years old, Gauff is set to compete in her seventh French Open.
Coco Gauff’s French Open Journey
Gauff won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023. However, she has consistently excelled at Roland Garros, reaching the quarter-finals in her last five appearances. Notably, she secured the championship there in 2025.
Building on Momentum
Despite her impressive record, Gauff maintains a balanced perspective. She emphasizes that she does not dwell on past achievements, focusing instead on her current form. “Whenever I come to this tournament, I don’t even think about my past results here,” she explains.
Addressing Service Challenges
- Gauff leads the WTA circuit with 208 double faults this year.
- Mirra Andreeva, with five additional matches played, ranks second with 145 double faults.
Gauff attributes her successful performance in Rome to improved serving, stating, “My average in Rome was four in double faults.” She shows confidence that this improvement could significantly impact her performance at the French Open.
Personal Growth and Development
Having entered the public spotlight as a 15-year-old following her breakthrough at Wimbledon, Gauff has learned to navigate fame. “Sometimes you get some perks and stuff, like people recognise you,” she notes. However, she also acknowledges the pressure of growing up in the limelight, where mistakes are often on display.
“I have a therapist that I have been going to for a long time,” Gauff shares. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection through journaling and maintaining a positive outlook. “I can be too much of a perfectionist,” she admits, acknowledging that her drive for excellence can sometimes hinder her performance.
Looking Ahead
Gauff opens her title defense at the French Open against fellow American Taylor Townsend. Her journey in Paris not only showcases her athletic prowess but also her resilience and growth as an individual. “I do feel like I’m a better player than I was last year,” she concludes, highlighting her commitment to mental fortitude and ongoing development.
