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Gauff's Game Face: Faking Composure to Win
5 Aug
Summary
- Gauff admits to occasional practice negativity, using it as an outlet.
- She consciously hides vulnerability from opponents during matches.
- Her strategy involves projecting composure, even when not fully confident.
As Coco Gauff gears up for the 2026 Canadian Open, she's sharing insights into her mental game. While seeking her first title of the season, Gauff aims to surpass her previous fourth-round finish at the WTA 1000 event.
During a pre-tournament press conference, the world No. 4 discussed how she manages pressure. Gauff acknowledged that moments of self-doubt can arise, even during practice sessions where she might express negativity. However, she emphasized the critical importance of projecting a composed demeanor during matches.
Gauff explained her deliberate strategy to conceal any signs of weakness from her opponents. Recognizing that tennis is a sport of fine margins, she believes that revealing vulnerability can inadvertently energize the opposition. Therefore, she makes a conscious effort to appear composed, employing a "fake it till you make it" approach to secure her best chance of victory.
