American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has been a rising star in the world of tennis, impressing fans and critics alike with her rapid rise to the top of the sport. However, the 2025 hard court season has been a challenging one for the 19-year-old, with Gauff admitting that she has not been able to find her best level during this period. In a candid interview, she opened up about the reasons behind her struggles and the adjustments she is making to overcome them.
Struggles on the Hard Courts
After a stellar 2024 season, which saw Gauff capture her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, expectations were high for her to build on that success in 2025. However, the transition to the hard court season this year has not been smooth sailing. While she remains one of the most talented players on the WTA tour, Gauff has faced difficulties adjusting to the surfaces and conditions of this season’s tournaments.
“I haven’t really been able to find my best level on hard courts so far,” Gauff said. “It’s frustrating because I know what I’m capable of, but I just haven’t been able to bring that to the matches consistently.”
The Challenge of Maintaining Consistency
One of the main challenges for Gauff has been maintaining consistency. Throughout her career, she has displayed flashes of brilliance, but her ability to deliver top-level performances across several matches in a row has been inconsistent. This year, she has struggled to string together solid performances, especially during the opening rounds of various tournaments.
“Some days I feel like I’m playing well, and then other days, it just feels like I’m not connecting with my game the way I want to,” she explained. “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.”
External Factors Contributing to the Struggles
In addition to her on-court challenges, Gauff also acknowledged the pressure that comes with being one of the top-ranked players. As her career has progressed, the expectations surrounding her have grown, and that added weight can sometimes affect her mental and emotional state.
“I think there’s a lot more pressure on me now,” she admitted. “People expect me to perform well all the time, and while that can be motivating, it can also add stress. It’s something I’m still learning to manage.”
Moreover, Gauff pointed to the physical toll that playing on hard courts takes on her body. The rigorous schedule, combined with the heavy demands of the sport, has made it harder for her to maintain the physical and mental sharpness required to perform at her best.
A Focus on Improvement
Despite the struggles, Gauff is determined to find her rhythm. She has been working closely with her coaching team, focusing on fine-tuning her game and addressing areas that need improvement. The young star remains confident that with time, she will be able to break through and regain her top form.
“I’m just taking it one match at a time and continuing to work hard,” Gauff said. “I believe in my game, and I know that when I get everything together, I can be back to playing my best.”
Looking Ahead
As Gauff continues to work through her hard court struggles, fans remain optimistic about her potential. Her resilience and determination are qualities that have helped her achieve so much at such a young age, and there is no doubt that she will be back to her best soon.
While the hard court season may not have gone as planned for Gauff, she remains one of the most promising players on the WTA tour. With the right adjustments and continued hard work, it’s only a matter of time before we see the full extent of her talents shine again.
