Gauff: "My team did not want me to compete in Miami"

Coco Gauff continues to advance in the Miami Open 2026 after a hard-fought victory against Cocciaretto that demonstrates both her competitive ability and the particular moment she is going through. The American, who entered the tournament with physical doubts after her withdrawal in Indian Wells, has chosen a different approach: lowering expectations and focusing on competing.

During a press conference, Cori Gauff shared several interesting reflections on her adaptation on the court, her physical and mental state, and this new way of approaching tournaments, more connected to the process than the immediate result. Not much can be expected from her in this Miami Open 2026, although her competitive spirit and talent can compensate for the improvable starting point. Her next opponent will be Alycia Parks.

Adjustments mid-match and a more aggressive mindset

Gauff explained that a key aspect of the match was her ability to change her approach after a start where her opponent had the upper hand. "In the first set, I let her control the pace too much," confessed the American, aware that she needed to change something to stay competitive.

From that point on, she decided to take a more active role on the court. "Today I tried to do more with my racket and trust how I trained this week," Gauff explained. "I didn't execute it perfectly, but I did it when I needed it the most, and that's what matters," she added. This adjustment also involved more specific aspects of her game. "I tried to focus a lot on my footwork because she hits very flat, and there's not much room for error," pointed out the American, emphasizing the importance of small details in these kinds of matches.

Managing the serve and understanding match moments

Another area where Gauff found solutions was in her serve, especially in the third set, where she raised her level in key moments. "I tried to lower the speed a bit on some first serves and be more tactical," explained the American.

Instead of solely focusing on power, she chose to vary her resources more. "It doesn't always have to be as strong as I want," affirmed Gauff. "I can mix it up more, use placement, and take advantage of fresh balls," she added, showing a more mature reading of the game. These decisions reflect an evolution in her competitive approach, where increasing adaptability to the context is becoming more evident.

Competing without expectations: a key change

One of the most relevant points in her discourse was her mental approach to the tournament. Gauff acknowledged that her presence in Miami was not guaranteed due to recent physical issues. "My team didn't want me to play this tournament, but I decided to do it," confessed the American.

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This situation allowed her to release the pressure. "I entered each match seeing it as a positive, without expectations," Gauff explained. "Maybe I also wanted to show them they were wrong," she added with a smile, showcasing that competitive edge that characterizes her. At the same time, she acknowledges that these situations are part of the learning process. "There will be moments in my career where I'm not at a hundred percent," she pointed out. "I want to use this as experience for the future," she affirmed.

An uncomfortable injury but under control

Gauff also discussed the physical issue she has been dealing with since Indian Wells, an unusual discomfort that persists, although to a lesser extent. "I still feel it at times, but it's not as intense as back there," explained the American.

The nature of the injury adds uncertainty to her progress. "It's something odd, seems to be a nerve problem," she admitted. "There are days when I don't feel it, and others when it suddenly shows up," she added. Nevertheless, the overall trend is positive. "Every day it's getting better, and that's a good sign," Gauff stated. "For now, it's about managing it and continuing to compete," she clarified, emphasizing her intention to stay in the tournament unless the situation deteriorates.

The emotional weight of playing at home

Playing in Miami holds a special meaning for Gauff, competing almost at home and with her closest circle in the stands. "What I notice the most is wanting to perform well in front of my family," confessed the American.

This support can also generate some pressure, although she has learned to manage it. "I had to remind myself that they're always watching my matches, whether they are on the court or not," Gauff explained. "I tried to rid myself of that extra pressure," she added. Still, she acknowledges that this emotional connection can be a driving force in challenging moments. "Seeing my family in the stands makes me want to give that extra," she stated.

Learning to win even when not at a hundred percent

Beyond the specific outcome, Gauff is left with the feeling of having been able to compete in non-ideal conditions, something she considers crucial in her development as a player. "I'm always proud of how I work and train," she explained. This confidence in the process allows her to face matches with a solid foundation, even when the preparation hasn't been perfect. "I'm playing with confidence because I know I'm working hard, even if the circumstances haven't been ideal," stated the American.

With a more open mindset and greater adaptability, Cori Gauff continues to build a more complete version of herself, proving that she can also win amidst uncertainty. Looking ahead and turning an adverse situation into a learning experience is a sign of maturity, although she must trust that her physical issues do not worsen in this Miami Open 2026.