“The most important thing is to avoid burnout because when I retire, I want it to be on my terms, not due to injury,” Coco Gauff said recently in an interview with Roland Garros’ official website. And she was not wrong! The WTA tour is relentless, with players competing nearly year-round, leaving little room for their recovery. And now, as the former US Open champion gears up for her homecoming at the Miami Open, she is offering a fresh perspective on the sport: the lack of time for self-reflection. In the constant cycle of training, traveling, and competing with each other, when do players truly process their journey? Do they have time at all? 

It’s only March this season, and Coco Gauff has already competed in four different tournaments, or five if you count the United Cup. Last season was just as intense, with the American ace playing 19 tournaments, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, while securing 3 titles. She battled through 71 matches in the season, boasting a 76% win rate (54-17): a testament to her relentless work ethic. 

This year is also shaping up the same way, as Coco kicked off 2025 at the United Cup before heading to the AO, the Middle East swing, and most recently, Indian Wells, all before setting foot in Miami on March 21st.

Ahead of her opening match at the Miami Open, Coco was asked how she finds time to reflect on her form amidst a grueling schedule. And her response? A dose of pure honesty. “It’s great to be back here. Like I said I love this tournament, home tournament and I guess tennis is like a crazy sport like you really ever have time to reflect because when you win, you’re already going to the next tournament. But, I guess something I need to probably sit down and do. Usually on my birthday’s I do that but I was a bit busy but overall I am very happy with my career I guess so far. I am a very creature mindset person, so there is a lot when I do,” the former US Open champion said.

Being the top-seeded American on the WTA Tour isn’t just about winning matches: it also comes with ‘off-court commitments’ that fill any rare breaks between tournaments. Take Coco Gauff’s latest collaboration with NB, for example. Fresh off the courts from the BNP Paribas Open, she made headlines by launching her new Coco Delray collection alongside Joe Robinson.

Even beyond tennis and endorsements, the 9-time WTA singles title winner has personal aspirations she’s eager to explore. Back in 2023, she shared glimpses of her culinary ambitions, posting photos of her long-anticipated cooking lessons. However, with the demanding nature of her professional tennis career, she had to push those plans back.

“I had fun training so I can pretend to be a chef in the bear lol. can’t wait to use what I learned and make food for my family! thank you @stephan.dalsoglio for the gift. and thank you @thecookingclubhouse for letting us reschedule a million times because of my match schedule:)” Coco revealed back then. 

Despite not having time to reflect on her recent performances on the tour, she will be playing her first match at the Miami Open on the 21st. Before entering the tournament, Gauff opened up about her current form and mindset.

“I’ve had ups and downs,” Coco Opens up just before the Miami Open 

Coco Gauff has had a shaky start to the season despite winning the United Cup. After finishing 2024 on a high winning the WTA Finals, the young star hasn’t been able to continue the momentum, facing early exits in multiple events. She suffered three consecutive defeats: falling in the Australian Open QF to Paula Badosa, followed by losses to Marta Kostyuk in Qatar and McCartney Kessler in Dubai. At Indian Wells, she showed early promise, only to be halted in the R16 by Belinda Bencic, the Abu Dhabi champion. 

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the Miami Open, Gauff said, “I’m obviously not happy with those past results, but it’s one of those things that, in the history of my career, I’ve had ups and downs. I still feel like I have a couple more years … (to reach) that point where every week is a great week, I guess. I’m also in the middle of changes in my game; it’s been difficult,” 

The World No. 3 continued, “I will say that it is tough, sometimes, when everyone is (saying), ‘Oh, (lost) two matches in a row,’ and things like that,” she said Monday. “Because if I wasn’t a top-five player it wouldn’t, probably, be a conversation. That comes with being at the top. You’re expected to win. And I expect myself to win, as well.” 

Coco Gauff holds a 6-5 record in the Miami Open and has yet to progress beyond the 4th round. However, she faces a familiar opponent in Sofia Kenin, a former Happy Slam champion, whom she defeated in Melbourne earlier this year.

With their H2H record tied at 2-2, Gauff will look to capitalize on her home-court advantage and recent dominance over Kenin. Do you think Coco can replicate her AO performance against her fellow compatriot?