Coco Gauff is looking forward to do away with the ghosts of the past in this Wimbledon. While her opening round match against Caroline Dolehide is just hours away from unleashing the action, she took a moment to look back in time. The young champion, besides experiencing moments of glory, also remembered incidents when her morale was almost destroyed. As the 20-year-old managed to rise back up every time, she took a moment to revisit one of the most terrible phases and smiled at her growth.

Coco Gauff recently took a moment to remember the setback she had to go through during the same time last year. Wimbledon’s official Instagram handle shared a post including Gauff’s quotes on the matter. She said, “I wish a-year-ago-me could see me now. I was really in a dark place… But I think I’ve grown a lot. I’m glad I used that moment to strive to get better. The next part of the season was the best I’ve ever had. That just shows bad moments don’t last forever.”

Her mother, Candi Gauff, proudly shared the post on her Instagram story. Just to indirectly convey that she’s proud of what the young champ has become, Candi decorated the update with multiple heart emojis. Coco often speaks about the crucial role her mother has played in her career. Fans have noticed how Candi travels with her to tournaments to help her stay focused and grounded, especially during tough times.

Last year at Wimbledon wasn’t really a pleasant time for Coco Gauff. She faced a drastic setback after losing to Sofia Kenin in just the first round. Despite being seeded seventh, Gauff suffered a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 defeat. However, Coco managed to regather her pieces and therefore emerged victorious at the Washington Open and eventually at the US Open.

Now that things have changed to a great extent after the setback last year, she’s ready to enter the tournament with a relaxed mind. “With Wimbledon, I’m really relaxed going into this year. I didn’t have a great Wimbledon last year. It’s like it couldn’t get any worse, it can only get better or the same,” she said, highlighting the fact that she has nothing to lose.

Interestingly, Gauff’s journey at Wimbledon 2024 will start with an American opponent just like last year. She is set to face Caroline Dolehide in the first round, with the match scheduled to take place on Centre Court in just a few hours. Although the tough time might have passed, it still resides as a strong memory in Gauff’s own heart.

Coco Gauff elaborates on being in a “dark place”

Coco Gauff’s rise as the youngest US Open champion made it clear that she had no regrets about the Wimbledon 2023 setback. She recently stepped on the same courts once again, and flashbacks surrounded her. Therefore, the 20-year-old came forward to narrate the terrible experience.

It could be hard for a top-ranked player to accept such disappointing defeats. While it isn’t just their morale but the fans’ expectations that bear the shock, post effects turn out to be dangerous. “That was a tough moment for me. I think the first two, three weeks after that, I was really in a dark place,” she said, explaining how the period was quite disturbing for her.

Urging for a play of time, she added, “I wish a year ago, me after that match could see me now.” Although the time travel isn’t possible, what Gauff has in her hands is a notable performance in the upcoming event. As the action begins in just a few hours, fans will get to know the distance she has traveled in a long year.