"I had a lot of anxiety attacks" admits Coco Gauff looking back at 2022 French Open final against Iga Swiatek
WTA
Coco Gauff achieved her first Grand Slam final against
Iga Swiatek at the 2022 French Open and admitted to suffering from anxiety
attacks before the match. The American had her best performance in a major at
Roland Garros up to that point but fell to the world No. 1.
On her way to the final, the 18th seed didn't drop a
set and defeated opponents such as Elise Mertens, Sloane Stephens, and Martina
Trevisan. However, it wasn't enough against an inspired Swiatek who claimed her
second French Open title two months after reaching the top of the rankings for
the first time in her career.
Coco Gauff and mental health issues
The current world No. 3 recently appeared on the cover
of Time Magazine and commented in her interview that she felt like she lost the
match even before playing it due to not being mentally well: "I had a lot
of anxiety attacks before that final, it felt like life or death it felt hard
to breathe. I lost that match before I stepped on the court," she said.
Gauff began her journey on the tour back in 2019. At
15 years old, she was the big surprise of Wimbledon, reaching the fourth round
and defeating the 7-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams along the way.
Gauff fell to the 7th seed and eventual champion Simona Halep.
Gauff boasts a record of 19-6 in 2024 and clinched a title at the ASB Classic earlier this year.
Expectations for Gauff increased as she then reached
the third round of the US Open (losing to the world No. 1 Naomi Osaka) and won
her first professional title at the WTA 250 Linz Open, coming from qualifying
and defeating the first seed Kiki Bertens on the way and former Roland Garros
champion Jelena Ostapenko in the final.
The 2023 US Open champion spoke about the pressure she
faced from a young age due to the expectations that were placed on her: "I
was trying to live up to what other people wanted for me. That got in my head a
little bit," Coco Gauff added.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
