Gauff: "I used to link my identity too much to the results, and I no longer do"
The American, who is seeking her first title in Australia, also shared her opinion on the increases in prize money: "There have been improvements, and we appreciate them, but it's still not enough."
Coco Gauff has changed her perspective on her career. The American, champion of Roland Garros last year, shows a surprising maturity at 21 years old. The seven years on the WTA circuit, where she has experienced great victories and tough defeats, have given her a new outlook that could help her take a leap in her career.
The Atlanta native arrives at the Australian Open with the goal of reaching the summit for the first time in Melbourne, where she was eliminated in the quarterfinals last year by Paula Badosa. Coco Gauff's return to Melbourne is filled with enthusiasm, naturalness, and reflections that go beyond the court. The American faces the first Grand Slam of the year with excitement but also with a more mature perspective on her career, her identity as an athlete, and the current tennis context.
Coco Gauff finds prize money increases insufficient
"I know that the prize money has been increased this year, but the percentage compared to total revenue is still not where we would like it to be. There are still many conversations to be had, not only with the Australian Open but with all the Grand Slams. There have been advancements, and we appreciate them, but it's still not enough. I believe there will be more meetings. No one wants this debate to drag on for years. I imagine there will be more pressure, especially from the top players."
Less pressure is now demanded when achieving results
"I try to give my all on the court but without feeling like my life depends on it. I used to tie my identity too much to the results and I no longer do. I still get disappointed when I lose, but it doesn't change how I see myself. My advice is to play with freedom and understand that everything happens for a reason. Many past defeats help me today appreciate what I have more."
One of her goals for 2026 focuses on consistency
"Definitely, but I also see it as something natural with age. Even so, I want to be more consistent. I think a big part of that is stabilizing my serve. When that improves, so will my results."
She will repeat the experience in the 1 Point Slam
"It was a lot of fun. I will play again, for sure. I loved that an amateur went so far and that stories that are not normally seen were shared. Perhaps the qualification process was too tough for the true amateurs, but I thought the idea was fantastic," assures Coco Gauff, who will approach her first Australian Open with a calmer outlook and with the mid-to-long-term goal of being much more regular and consistent.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gauff: "Antes vinculaba demasiado mi identidad a los resultados y ya no lo hago"