“Bad moments don’t last forever” for America’s Coco Gauff. Despite a saddening first-round exit at the 2023 Wimbledon, the US Open champion feels she has “grown a lot” in a year. She might face criticism for serving errors and double faults, but Gauff is not in the mood to lower her enthusiasm. Speaking about how she used her loss to “get better,” Gauff recognizes her growth in an inspirational take on her past performances.

Wimbledon shared an image of the world number 2 as she prepares for her first Wimbledon clash. Growing since her last season, she claimed how young she would have been impressed by where she stands now. “I wish a-year-ago-me could see me now. I was 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,” said Gauff, expressing a sense of confidence ahead of Wimbledon.

The American WTA star is all set to play her first Wimbledon match against another American, Caroline Dolehide, at the center court on day 1. However, when asked whether 15-year-old Gauff would have thought of old Gauff’s achievement, the American Roland Garros doubles champion expressed a strong opinion. “I think I had high expectations at that age. I still do. Obviously everybody has high expectations, especially when you’re on tour at such a young age. I think it would be both a surprise and satisfied with where I am right now,” she said.

Despite being confident about her form and hard work, Coco Gauff didn’t underestimate her opponents for the British slam. In fact, she was wise enough to see that “there’s a lot of talent on the women’s tour and it’s anybody’s game.” Stating how she has “just grown a lot”, Gauff wishes “to just strive to get better” as she is yet to feel that she has reached her desirable position in professional tennis.

Gauff had a terrible Wimbledon performance as she lost to her compatriot Sofia Kenin in the first round by 4-6, 6-4, 2-6. Despite an unexpected start to the British Grand Slam, Gauff feels more prepared this time.

Coco Gauff is “really relaxed” for this year’s Wimbledon

Gauff might not have been able to move past the first round of Wimbledon last year, but she is focused this time given her hard work. Leaving behind her disappointment, Coco Gauff represented a more confident attitude for the major. “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.

She expressed a new zeal to perform better at this year’s British slam. While it is hard to let go of a devastating loss, Gauff isn’t afraid to do so to make this year’s Wimbledon run worthwhile.

Coco Gauff’s message to her younger self is a testament to her belief in her hard work. Despite many critiques and losses, it is commendable how Gauff returns with a new source of energy that does not linger over her past. This is what makes America’s Coco Gauff a leading name in professional tennis currently.