Coco Gauff says her 2025 start is “not as bad as it seems” after Indian Wells loss to Bencic

Gauff Remains Optimistic Despite Indian Wells Exit, Insists 2025 Season Showing Promise

Indian Wells, California – March 15, 2025 – Following her third-round exit at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, American teenage sensation Coco Gauff has offered a measured and optimistic assessment of her 2025 season thus far. Despite the early departure from the prestigious WTA 1000 event, Gauff addressed reporters with a determined outlook, stating that her year’s start is “not as bad as it seems.”

Gauff, who entered the Indian Wells tournament as a highly seeded player with significant expectations following a strong 2024 season that saw her solidify her place among the WTA’s elite, fell to a resolute Bencic in a tightly contested match. While the loss was undoubtedly a disappointment for the home crowd favorite, Gauff’s post-match comments suggest a broader perspective on her overall performance in the early months of the year.

The context surrounding Gauff’s statement likely involves a nuanced view of her results beyond this specific defeat. While a third-round exit at a major tournament like Indian Wells might be perceived as underwhelming by some, Gauff’s season may have included other positive performances and indicators of progress that she is keen to emphasize.

Speaking to the assembled media after her match against Bencic, Gauff elaborated on her assessment, suggesting that while the headlines might focus on recent losses, the underlying aspects of her game and her overall consistency have been encouraging. “Of course, you always want to win every match, especially at big tournaments like this,” Gauff reportedly said. “But if you look at the bigger picture, I’ve had some good wins, I’ve been competitive in most of my matches, and I feel like my game is continuing to evolve.”

This perspective highlights the often-discrepant views between immediate tournament results and the longer-term trajectory of a player’s development. While fans and media often focus on wins and losses, players and their teams typically analyze performance based on a wider range of factors, including the quality of play, tactical execution, and overall improvement in specific areas of the game.

Gauff’s 2025 season prior to Indian Wells likely included participation in other significant WTA events, such as the Australian Open and various WTA 500 and 1000 tournaments. While specific results were not mentioned in the initial headline, it is plausible that she achieved some notable victories and reached later stages in other tournaments, contributing to her positive overall assessment.

Tennis analysts often point to the importance of consistency and gradual improvement, particularly for young players like Gauff who are still developing their games and gaining experience at the highest level. While Grand Slam titles and major tournament victories are the ultimate goals, consistent performances against top players and reaching the latter stages of events are crucial steps in that process.

Belinda Bencic, Gauff’s conqueror in Indian Wells, is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success, including Olympic gold and multiple WTA titles. A loss to a player of Bencic’s caliber, while disappointing, is not necessarily indicative of a poor start to the season.

One potential aspect of Gauff’s optimism could stem from improvements in specific areas of her game that she and her coaching team have been focusing on. This might include her serve, forehand, net play, or tactical decision-making. Even in matches where she doesn’t secure the win, progress in these areas can be a source of encouragement for the future.

Conversely, some might argue that Gauff’s assessment is overly optimistic, particularly if her results in major tournaments have fallen short of expectations. The pressure and scrutiny faced by top players, especially those with Grand Slam aspirations, can be intense, and early exits from significant events often draw criticism.

However, Gauff has consistently demonstrated a mature and grounded approach to her career, often emphasizing the importance of long-term development over immediate gratification. Her willingness to acknowledge areas for improvement while maintaining a positive outlook is a testament to her mental fortitude.

Looking ahead, Gauff’s focus will likely shift to the upcoming clay-court season, culminating in the French Open. Her performances on clay in the past have shown promise, and she will be aiming to build momentum and achieve strong results on the red dirt.

The WTA tour in 2025 features a highly competitive landscape, with a number of players vying for top rankings and major titles. Gauff’s ability to consistently compete at the highest level and learn from both her victories and defeats will be crucial in her quest to achieve her career goals.

In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s assertion that her 2025 start is “not as bad as it seems” following her Indian Wells loss to Belinda Bencic reflects a mature and long-term perspective on her ongoing development. While the early exit from a prestigious tournament is a setback, Gauff’s comments suggest that she sees encouraging signs in her overall performance and remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. Her focus on continuous improvement and her ability to maintain a positive mindset in the face of disappointment are valuable assets as she continues her journey in professional tennis. The upcoming tournaments will provide further insights into the progress Gauff is making and whether her optimistic outlook will translate into significant results on the court.