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7 Jul 2026 | 18.47
Cori Gauff is already among the top four players at Wimbledon 2026 . The American staged a comeback against Jessica Pegula (4-6, 6-3, 6-3) to reach the semifinals of the London Grand Slam for the first time and confirm the significant change she has undergone on a surface that had always eluded her until now.
The reigning champion of Roland Garros 2025 admitted that just a week ago, she would never have imagined finding herself in this position. However, she believes she has finally found a way to compete on grass, and Cori Gauff thinks that, regardless of how the tournament ends, this Wimbledon could mark a turning point in her career.
Cori Gauff explains her transformation on grass after reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon 2026
Gauff admits to having found a key in grass court tennis
Gauff did not hide the immense satisfaction she feels for reaching semifinals that had seemed distant to her for a long time. Beyond the result, she stated that this tournament represents a true turning point.
"It feels very special , especially considering the results I had recently achieved, especially on this surface. Now I can relax a bit because, whatever happens in the remainder of the tournament, I feel that I have made a significant breakthrough on grass . I am proud of myself. Obviously, I am not satisfied because I want to win the tournament, but I also try to focus only on the next match," she explained.
Her reaction after sealing the match perfectly reflected that mix of surprise and happiness. The cameras captured how she looked at her team and exclaimed spontaneously, "What?" a response that she later explained naturally.
"If someone had told me a few days ago that I would be in the Wimbledon semifinals, I would have said, 'You're joking.' I had just lost early in Berlin and had several years without getting results here. It was more of an external reaction, seeing everything that had happened. I am convinced of the player I am, but I also know this sport, and seeing the type of game Jess has on grass, probably many people would have favored her. I chose myself because I am me, but I understood that perception perfectly," she confessed.
Confidence in her tennis, the key to her evolution
Asked about the reason for this change, the American explained that the difference has not been so much in changing her style but in believing much more in it. .
"For a long time, it was said that my game might not fit this surface. In these last few matches, I faced very tough opponents, especially for me on grass. In the first set, I often tried to finish the points too quickly or took more risks than necessary. Then I simply understood that I did not need to play a spectacular point every time to win," she pointed out.
From there, she claims she began to have much more confidence in the quality of her groundstrokes. "I started to believe in myself and that my baseline shots are good enough to compete against anyone, even on grass. I think the match against Belinda already showed that, and today also against Jess."
This growth also has an explanation in her preparation. After Roland Garros, for the first time, she was able to dedicate several days exclusively to training on grass before competing.
"This has been the first year in which I had a true grass training block. I was able to focus on movement, footwork, and how I wanted to play. Although I lost early in Berlin, I arrived here with an entire week to continue training those specific things. I believe that has been one of the keys to my success."
Cori Gauff points to Swiatek as inspiration
The American champion also acknowledged that watching Iga Swiatek conquer Wimbledon made her believe that she too could make that leap. "Watching Iga win gave me a lot of confidence because I think we have quite similar playing styles, especially with the forehand stroke. That made me think that I could also achieve it."
Furthermore, she explained why she finds it so challenging to follow up a great result at Roland Garros immediately with another at Wimbledon.
"After eight weeks of the clay court tour, plus the three weeks in Paris, you arrive completely exhausted. Then you switch surfaces practically without time to train. I think that explains why it is so challenging to defend this tournament and why many players who go far in Roland Garros then do not perform well here."
Faith, destiny, and a new way of facing major tournaments in Gauff
During the press conference, there was also room to discuss her approach to competition and how her management of expectations has changed. "I am a believer and I think that, somehow, the story is already written . I don't know if Wimbledon is part of my destiny. Seven days ago, I probably would have said no. Now, I hope it is, whether this year or in the future. I would love to see my name on the champion's wall someday," she commented.
The American also confessed that pressure ended up working against her just a few weeks ago in Paris, and this experience has made her reflect. "At Roland Garros, I felt I was playing very well and I put too many expectations on myself. I think I mentally blocked myself . Perhaps I should approach more tournaments as I have approached this Wimbledon because it seems that I play much better that way."
Lastly, she was surprised to learn that she has become the youngest player since Maria Sharapova to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams. "I didn't think this would be the year to achieve it. I think my athletic ability and mobility allow me to adapt to all surfaces. Also, I have been playing these tournaments since I was 15, which has given me a lot of experience and many opportunities to learn."
Beyond whether she lifts the trophy, Cori Gauff feels that she has already achieved one of the most important victories of her career. The American has left behind doubts about grass, exiting the first week of Wimbledon convinced that she has finally found the formula to compete at the highest level on a surface that had previously seemed her major challenge.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gauff mete miedo a sus rivales en Wimbledon: "He encontrado la fórmula para triunfar en hierba"
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