Gauff, a Wimbledon Sufferer: "Sometimes I Feel Like I Don't Deserve My Successes"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 1 Jul 2026 | 20.23

Coco Gauff, hard-fought victory at Wimbledon 2026. Photo: gettyimages

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Cori Gauff is already in the third round of Wimbledon 2026, although she had to suffer much more than expected to defeat Solana Sierra by 6-3, 3-6, and 7-6 in one of the most thrilling matches of the day. The American saved a very challenging situation before prevailing in an extremely tight super tie-break, once again demonstrating her ability to compete under extreme pressure.

After the match, the Roland Garros 2025 champion held a very interesting press conference where she spoke about the confidence needed to overturn complicated matches, confessed to still battling impostor syndrome despite all her successes, and analyzed the return of Serena Williams, the relocation of the WTA Finals to the United States, and the debate about the presence of dogs at Wimbledon.

Cori Gauff explains how she overcame another close match and admits to struggling with impostor syndrome

Gauff never stopped believing in the comeback: "At Roland Garros, I was two points away from winning"

The American explained that even when the match seemed to be slipping away, she never lost the conviction that she could still turn it around. "It was a really tough match. It was the first time I played a ten-point super tie-break in a third set, and fortunately, today it went my way. I am very happy with how I fought and competed. She was playing very aggressive tennis, and I just tried to be offensive when I could. Also, I am particularly satisfied with my serve.

When I was so close to losing, I just thought about taking it point by point. At Roland Garros, I was two points away from winning the title at a certain moment, so I knew this match could also turn. I felt like I had many opportunities on the return, although I couldn't take advantage of them. I kept believing that the 'break' would eventually come. When I finally achieved it, I could relax a bit. In the tie-break, the goal was to gradually reduce the difference and not think about anything else."

The incredible drop shot in the super tie-break was completely instinctive

One of the tournament's highlights came with an almost impossible drop shot when the tie-break was at 7-7. Gauff admitted that it was not even a conscious decision. "Probably not the best idea to try a drop shot at that moment. I just thought I had to commit to the shot and trust myself.

She responded with a great shot, and honestly, I didn't overthink it. It was a completely instinctive reaction. All the work we do in doubles and practicing half volleys is precisely for moments like that. My only thought was to get the ball over the net. I don't even know exactly what happened."

Cori Gauff admits she still deals with impostor syndrome

The world number two made one of the most personal confessions of the press conference by explaining the message she repeated mentally during the match: "Remember who you are." "Sometimes I feel like I have a bit of impostor syndrome. I have talked about it before. Sometimes I forget everything I have achieved or even think that maybe I don't deserve such success.

I need to remind myself of the career I have built at just 22 years old. Obviously, I have a lot of ambition to continue achieving things, but I also need to appreciate what I have already done. I know any opponent is tough, but I also have to remember that they probably feel exactly the same when they play against me."

Cori Gauff is impressed by Serena Williams

Gauff closely followed Serena Williams' highly anticipated return and did not hide her admiration for the level shown by the American after four years without competing. "I watched almost the entire match. I even had to finish dinner early to be able to watch it. I think Serena played incredible tennis. Maya had a top-10 or top-5 level match; she was fantastic and ready for an occasion like that.

But what Serena did seems crazy to me. It shows once again why she is the best in history. After four years without playing, it's incredible she can perform at that level. I already get nervous when I go two weeks without competing before a tournament; I can't imagine what it's like to be out for four years. Her serve is still spectacular, and watching her play was like going back ten years. It was a very beautiful moment for our sport."

Having overcome one of the most challenging tests of the first week, Cori Gauff continues to progress in Wimbledon 2026 with reinforced confidence. Beyond the victory, the American made it clear that even a Grand Slam champion still fights internal battles, but she also remembered the best way to overcome them: look at everything she has already achieved and keep believing in herself.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gauff, sufridora en Wimbledon: "A veces siento que no merezco mis éxitos"

Cori Gauff