No. 2-ranked Coco Gauff was visibly not at her best during her unexpected first-round defeat at Wimbledon on Tuesday, July 1, to unseeded Dayana Yastremska. The 21-year-old tennis star lost 7-6 (3), 6-1, committing 29 unforced errors and nine double-faults. Following the match, Gauff candidly discussed her mental state, revealing that her recent French Open victory left her feeling mentally exhausted.
“I feel like mentally I was a little bit overwhelmed with everything that came afterwards,” Gauff admitted. “I didn’t feel like I had enough time to celebrate and also get back into it.” Her openness is consistent with her past discussions on mental health, a topic that has gained significant attention among athletes in individual sports.
The Pressure of Success
Gauff’s journey in tennis began at a young age, capturing the public’s attention when she made her WTA debut at just 15. The pressures of being a young prodigy have inevitably impacted her mental well-being, even as she amassed tournament victories and climbed the world rankings.
Reflecting on her experiences, Gauff shared, “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast.”
“Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results, so that wasn’t the issue. I just found myself not enjoying what I loved.”
A Year of Growth and Reflection
In the lead-up to Wimbledon 2024, Gauff reflected on her journey over the past year, emphasizing personal growth despite the challenges. “I wish a-year-ago-me could see me now. I was really in a dark place,” she said. “But I think I’ve grown a lot. I’m glad I used that moment to strive to get better. The next person of the season was the best I’ve ever had. That just shows bad moments don’t last forever.”
Gauff’s candidness about her mental health struggles and the pressures of professional tennis resonates with many athletes who face similar challenges. Her willingness to speak out highlights the importance of mental health awareness in sports.
Finding Balance in a Demanding Career
Gauff’s reflections on her career reveal the internal conflict she faced, questioning whether tennis was her true passion or a path chosen by others. “I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year, I was really depressed,” she continued. “That was the toughest year for me so far.”
At one point, Gauff considered taking a break from tennis to focus on her life outside the sport. “Choosing not to obviously was the right choice, but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost,” she wrote. “I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever.”
The Broader Implications
Gauff’s story is a reminder of the intense pressures faced by young athletes in the spotlight. Her journey underscores the importance of mental health support and the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being alongside their professional achievements.
As Gauff continues her career, her openness about mental health challenges could inspire other athletes to seek help and share their experiences. The tennis community, and the sports world at large, may benefit from her advocacy, leading to more comprehensive mental health resources for athletes.
Looking ahead, Gauff’s focus on personal growth and mental resilience will likely play a crucial role in her future successes on and off the court. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the ongoing journey toward mental wellness.