Coco Gauff exited the Indian Wells Masters sooner than expected, but she had something to look forward to on Thursday, March 13. It marked the former US Open champion’s 21st birthday. “I don’t know if I’m going to feel any different. But I think it’s an exciting age to turn,” Gauff addressed her plans for the big day to press after losing to Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. And, perhaps, it’s a birthday of added significance for the American sensation who is in the fight to fix her flaws.

Gauff has never shied away from accepting her weaknesses but has still found ways to stay afloat against fierce rivals. However, the game can take a backseat for a while on her birthday. Showered with a plethora of ishes, with even her rumoured boyfriend Jalen Sera marking the special occasion with a wholesome message – “Happy birthdayyyy @cocogauff Big 21! I hope it’s your best one yet.” – Gauff took to Instagram and posted a carousel of photos and unseen childhood pictures herself.

Coco also penned a heartfelt note for all her loved ones after jetting back home for celebrations. “Thank you, everyone, for all of the sweet messages, I am so blessed and grateful to see another year! Cheers to 21,” she wrote.

Moreover, her mother Candi also uploaded a collage of Coco’s baby photos on social media. She captioned her IG story, “Coco Gauff, when I became a mom!!” However, this led the American player to a somewhat bittersweet realization. Gauff reposted the update on her account and hilariously admitted: “I have no pictures of me smiling as a baby.”

Interestingly, the American sensation’s mother previously reflected on the transformative moment of her birth and expressed the profound impact it had on her life. She described motherhood as life’s greatest blessing, with an adorable birthday wish for Coco. “You made me a mom!! One of the biggest blessings and honors a woman can have. Twenty-one years ago, my life changed and Corey and I started our family. From the time you were born, I knew you were destined for greatness! Gifted, talented, and beautiful! A great big sister, a wonderful daughter, and a global change-maker. I love you! Happy birthday!”

If we have learnt anything from Coco’s nascent journey on the tour, it’s that she will have her fair share of ups and downs. This was candidly addressed by the World number 3 on her birthday.

Coco Gauff lays bare “accepting the highs and lows” on the tour

Coco Gauff hired former coach Brad Gilbert after losing in the first round of Wimbledon in 2023. Days later, she won her first WTA 500, 1000, and her maiden Slam in Flushing Meadows. However, she was back in a slump a year later, and she wasted no time splitting with the American coach to join forces with Matt Daly. The results showed immediately as te youngster claimed high-profile events on offer, including the WTA Finals, to cap the 2024 season.

Now accustomed to the pattern, Gauff acknowledged her shortcomings and, in light of her 21st birthday, talked about what she has learned on the tour so far. “Just accepting the highs and lows,” she said. “I think sometimes in sports you want to just stay on the high and kind of ride that wave, but especially with this sport, a season as long as tennis, it’s kind of impossible to always be on that high wave, and there’s going to be some low moments I think.”

She continued, “Just trying to stick through those tough moments and get better through them.” Gauff also addressed her latest Indian Wells exit to Belinda Bencic and expressed disappointment with the recent changes made to her serve. “I’m trying to do better, and that’s all I can do. I’m trying to work on things in practice, and unfortunately, right now, it’s not translating how I’d like to.”

For now, Coco will look to rest and recover following a hectic run in the California desert. She is slated to return next for the second event of the Sunshine Double, the Miami Open, scheduled to kick off on March 19.