Gauff's most painful defeat: "I thought I could never overcome it"

Fernando Murciego | 24 May 2025 | 12.00

Coco Gauff recalls her final at Roland Garros 2022. Source: Getty

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We continue reviewing the Media Days of the top favorites for this Roland Garros 2025, where we can't miss a Coco Gauff who already played the final here three seasons ago. Precisely that match left her an unforgettable mark, a bit bitter that made her better in the future. But when will we see her lifting the trophy? We all think sooner rather than later, although the list of contenders is so extensive that it won't be easy. So arrives the current World No. 2 in Paris, a woman who is eager to touch the sky again in a Grand Slam.

Recent positive momentum

"Definitely, this tour has given me a lot of confidence, especially the results of the past few weeks, but now it's time to leave those results in the past and focus on what lies ahead. In the Rome final, I was a bit mentally exhausted, no excuses, but the match against Qinwen was too long. I wasn't nervous, but I made many errors, it was tough to see how great Jasmine was. Simply put, that day I wasn't destined to win, I got over it and now I know that next time, I can do other things to get back into the match."

Connection with clay courts

"I feel that when I started, when I was younger, I already liked playing on clay. At that time, I didn't compare surfaces as much, I felt that I had to be good on all of them, so it just flowed. I think once I won at Roland Garros Junior, I didn't even think about the surface it was, but once I landed on the tour, I did think that I felt very comfortable on it. Whenever I transitioned from hardcourt to clay, it was quite easy for me, so I feel so comfortable. I attribute it to sliding a lot on hardcourt, so when I play on clay, it's much easier for me.

Of course, it's also very related to how I hit my forehand, this helps a lot in improving. Obviously, my athletic character as well, I think it's very difficult to win on this surface if you don't move well. Of course, it's possible, but I think it's much harder to do so, so I think that also helps me."

Continuous success of American women's tennis

"Apart from the obvious, such as the size of the country, which is very important, I think it's essential to have so many role models throughout our history. There have always been American women who have done well, inspiring you to do the same. Having people who have done well before, and coaches still being equally involved in the sport, helps develop new young players. In the U.S., we have many resources, especially in tennis, which also helps. Another large part of the success lies in belief, not so much in the game, I think in our country, we have a lot of self-belief, simply because of the success we've had over the years."

Final at Roland Garros 2022

"It was a tough feeling for me, I thought I had performed well below expectations in that final, not necessarily in terms of play, but mentally. I was very disappointed in how I approached that match, I thought I could never overcome it, so I turned it into motivation. I always had a hunch that I would be in a final again, so I wasn't going to stay there, next time I'll walk out with my head held high. That's how I was able to face the US Open 2023 final differently, so I needed that defeat in Paris to reach that point."

Multiple title contenders

"All the girls are playing excellent tennis, I think it's quite open, although I hope to be up there. Jasmine, Aryna, Iga, Qinwen, or Mirra will be there, I mention those who probably have more opportunities, although I could mention a few more. Who knows what can happen? We all remember Emma's (Raducanu) year at the US Open, so anyone can win the tournament. That's what makes women's tennis so exciting, that's why people should tune in. Right now, in the women's field, there are many candidates with serious chances, which makes each match equally exciting."

Student forever

"I'm always learning new things, especially at this stage of my career. I feel like I have a lot to learn and improve. It will always be that way, at any time, I think no one has gone a whole year without losing a match. Unless you're undefeated and not losing a set for a long time, it's normal to always have something to work on. Throughout my career, I'll always have things to work on, although now I feel there are some key points I need to focus on. As long as you're improving, you'll always have a goal."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La derrota más dolorosa de Gauff: “Pensé que jamás podría superarla”