Gauff: "I work with a therapist and I feel better and better about myself"
Gauff : "Je travaille avec une thérapeute et je me sens de mieux en mieux avec moi-même"

Cori Gauff appeared before the media on Roland Garros 2026 Media Day, sharing very personal reflections on the pressure of growing up under the spotlight, her emotional evolution on court, and the players' movement to demand a fairer economic distribution in Grand Slams.

The reigning champion of the Paris tournament also spoke about her relationship with perfection, the support from the public, and the differences between the major finals she has played in her career. She arrives in Paris at a moment of greater mental and sporting stability compared to last year and acknowledged feeling better prepared to handle both the competitive demands and media exposure. Additionally, Cori Gauff confirmed her active involvement in the protests organized by players against the current distribution of prize money in major tournaments.

Growing Up Under the Spotlight Since Adolescence

"The best part of growing up under the spotlight may be some advantages, such as being recognized by people or certain opportunities. The worst part is that you also make mistakes while growing, and all those mistakes are exposed publicly. Although I don't think that's necessarily bad either because maybe other people can see themselves in me and understand that nobody is perfect and we all have to learn."

The Grand Slam Finals That Defined Her Career

"At Ashe, the atmosphere was crazy, and also the roof was closed, so the noise was incredible. I remember that when I was serving to win the match, everyone would be silent between points, and that's when you really felt the crowd's concentration."

"Against Iga, I barely remember anything because I was very nervous and literally couldn't play that final. I only remember thinking during the trophy ceremony that I never wanted to lose a final like that again."

"In the final against Aryna, I was very surprised that the crowd was so clearly on my side. I didn't know what to expect, and also Spike Lee was right next to my box, so it was quite surreal."

The Emotional Battle of Coco Gauff

"I have a therapist I've been working with for a long time. I also write a lot and try not to be negative about myself. I think many times I'm too much of a perfectionist, and during matches, I want to win every point perfectly."

"The problem is that doesn't always happen. I clearly see where I want to be and want to get there as soon as possible, but now I try to focus more on the process and the ups and downs that tennis journey has. There are times when I manage it very well, and others when it's much harder for me."

"No, this year I feel much better than last year. I'm still making some double faults, but in Rome, I averaged four per match, and I can live with that perfectly. Also, I feel like I'm a better player than a year ago, and that gives me a lot of confidence."

Gauff Joins the Protest for Economic Distribution

"Yes, I'm one of the players involved in this action. I won't be here for too long," she said with laughter before delving into the matter.

"All this came to me after Rome. I know there were conversations there, but I was still competing. I don't think this measure will change everything immediately, but it does show that many players are on the same page, and for the first time, we are acting collectively rather than just talking."

"I'm proud that we've been able to come together. It was important to find a balance not to harm journalists either because you are not to blame for this situation. That's why many players decided to attend the media today, although reducing other obligations with TV and tournament partners."

"Among the top 10 players, it wasn't so difficult to organize because we've been talking about this since last year. Here in Paris was the first in-person meeting I attended. I hope we can continue to involve more players and achieve the changes we want."

Her Special Relationship with Roland Garros

"When I arrive at this tournament, I don't think too much about my previous results here. Obviously, defending the title is different, but honestly, last year already feels like something that happened ten years ago. I do believe that during matches, I feel that I can reach my best level here even when I'm not playing particularly well because I have a lot of confidence due to my history at this tournament. But it's not something I think about before stepping onto the court."

At just 22 years old, Cori Gauff faces Roland Garros 2026 from a very different position than her early experiences in Paris. More emotionally mature, stronger in her tennis, and increasingly involved in the collective decisions of the circuit, the American once again presents herself as one of the top contenders for the title in a tournament where she has already shown to feel at home.