“How Close I Am to Quitting” – Coco Gauff Makes Honest Admission About Her Preseason Struggles; Shares Amusing Car Reference
Coco Gauff, one of tennis’s brightest stars, has opened up about the challenges she faces during the grueling preseason training period. The 20-year-old, who has already achieved incredible milestones in her young career, recently shared a candid insight into how demanding and mentally exhausting the preseason can be, admitting she occasionally feels like quitting during the intense preparation phase. While her honesty resonated with fans, her lighthearted reference to feeling like a car breaking down brought humor to an otherwise serious topic.
Preseason: A Time of Intensity and Reflection
For professional tennis players, the preseason is a critical time to build fitness, fine-tune skills, and prepare mentally for the grueling demands of the upcoming season. However, for Gauff, who has spent years navigating the high-pressure world of tennis, this period can be as mentally taxing as it is physically demanding.
In a recent interview, Gauff revealed just how challenging this time of year can be, describing moments when she questions whether she has the energy and motivation to keep going. “I can’t lie; there are days when I wonder, ‘How close am I to quitting?’” she admitted, shedding light on the pressures that even top athletes experience.
While Gauff has an indomitable fighting spirit on the court, her honesty about the struggles behind the scenes makes her more relatable to fans. “Preseason is tough—it’s the time where you have to push yourself to the limit, even when your body and mind feel like giving up,” she added.
“Like a Car Breaking Down”
Gauff’s candid reflections took a humorous turn when she likened her preseason struggles to the experience of driving a car that’s constantly breaking down. “It feels like you’re trying to keep the car going even though the engine light is on, the brakes are squeaking, and the tires are flat,” she joked.
The analogy struck a chord with her fans, who appreciated the lighthearted take on a challenging reality. Gauff’s humor, combined with her openness, showcased her ability to find levity in difficult situations—a trait that has endeared her to audiences worldwide.
“Sometimes, you just have to laugh through the pain,” she said. “It’s like, ‘Okay, the car’s breaking down, but let’s see if I can get a few more miles out of it before I stop and fix it.’”
Mental Resilience Amid High Expectations
At just 20 years old, Gauff has achieved feats that many players can only dream of. She broke onto the scene as a 15-year-old sensation at Wimbledon in 2019, defeating Venus Williams in a stunning upset. Since then, she has claimed her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open and climbed into the upper echelons of the WTA rankings.
However, with success comes heightened expectations, and Gauff is no stranger to the pressures of living up to them. Preseason, she explained, is particularly difficult because it requires a level of discipline and focus that can feel overwhelming.
“You don’t have the adrenaline of competition to keep you going,” Gauff said. “It’s just you, your team, and the work. And sometimes, that work feels never-ending.”
Gauff credited her coaching team, including new addition Matt Daly, for keeping her motivated during the tough moments. After parting ways with Brad Gilbert, who helped guide her to her US Open victory, Gauff has embraced Daly’s fresh approach to her training regimen.
“Matt has been great at reminding me why I’m doing this,” Gauff shared. “When I feel like quitting, he’s the one saying, ‘Think about how far you’ve come and how much further you can go.’”
Learning to Embrace the Grind
Despite the challenges, Gauff emphasized that the preseason is also a time of growth. “As hard as it is, I know this is where champions are made,” she said. “You don’t see the results right away, but the work you put in now pays off when it matters.”
One of the lessons Gauff has learned is the importance of finding balance. While she’s committed to pushing herself to her limits, she also understands the value of taking breaks and maintaining her mental health.
“I’ve realized that it’s okay to have bad days,” she said. “Not every day is going to be perfect, and that’s fine. The important thing is to keep showing up.”
Support from Fans and Fellow Players
Gauff’s honesty about her struggles has resonated deeply with her fans and fellow players, many of whom have praised her for speaking out about the realities of life as a professional athlete.
On social media, fans flooded her posts with messages of support, thanking her for being a role model and sharing their own experiences of perseverance. “You’re an inspiration, Coco! Keep pushing—your hard work will pay off,” one fan wrote.
Even Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, chimed in, expressing admiration for Gauff’s candor. “Preseason is brutal, and it’s refreshing to see Coco be so honest about it. She’s a true champion, on and off the court,” he said.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As Gauff continues her preseason training, her focus remains firmly on the 2025 season. With major tournaments on the horizon, including the Australian Open, she is determined to build on her 2024 successes and achieve even greater heights.
“I want to start the year strong,” Gauff said. “Every season is a new opportunity to grow, learn, and get better. I know the work I’m doing now will set the tone for what’s to come.”
While the preseason may feel like a car that’s barely holding together, Gauff is confident that her “engine” will be ready when it’s time to hit the road. “By the time the season starts, I’ll have a brand-new car, ready to go full speed ahead,” she said with a smile.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s honest admission about her preseason struggles offers a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by professional athletes. Her ability to balance vulnerability with humor and resilience makes her not only a phenomenal tennis player but also an inspiring role model.
As Gauff pushes through the demands of preseason training, she remains focused on her goals for the upcoming season, knowing that every mile she puts in now will bring her closer to achieving greatness. And with her unwavering determination and the support of her team and fans, Gauff is poised to continue her ascent as one of the brightest stars in the tennis world.