Coco Gauff’s mental health struggles, particularly after her breakout in 2019, reflect the immense pressure she faced as a teenage tennis prodigy. Despite her early success, Gauff struggled with feelings of doubt and depression, admitting in a 2020 post that for about a year, she found herself disconnected from her love for the sport. The pressure to perform, especially as the youngest to achieve certain milestones, weighed heavily on her.
In her reflection, Gauff explained that she was questioning whether tennis was still something she truly wanted to pursue, feeling overwhelmed by external expectations. The isolation she felt, particularly after reaching the US Open junior final at just 13, compounded her struggles. At one point, she even considered stepping away from tennis for a year to focus on her personal life.
Her father, Corey Gauff, clarified that Coco had not been clinically diagnosed with depression, but her use of the term raised significant attention. Regardless, Coco’s vulnerability in sharing her experience shed light on the psychological challenges that young athletes can face while dealing with immense public and personal pressure.
This period of self-reflection, however, eventually led to her realization that she needed to play for herself, not for the expectations of others. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every triumph, there can be personal battles, and it’s crucial to acknowledge the mental and emotional health of athletes at every stage of their career.
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