American tennis star Coco Gauff is returning to Flushing Meadows with renewed confidence and momentum as she prepares for her U.S. Open campaign.
Fresh off capturing the 2026 Cincinnati Open title against Jessica Pegula, the two-time Grand Slam champion is using the exact same springboard that propelled her to her breakthrough U.S. Open victory in 2023.
A fresh surge of momentum
Gauff enters New York riding high on confidence after securing her first title of the season in Ohio. Rebound performances across recent tournaments have helped her tune out external pressure and reset her mental game.
Reaching New York with a hard-court trophy under her belt gives her a familiar sense of belief. Addressing her preparation, Gauff said:
“Cincinnati is such a special tournament. Being able to do that again is super cool. And coming into New York with some wins under my belt, I think means a lot.”
Embracing the vows and lessons
Rather than allowing earlier setbacks to weigh on her mind, Gauff has embraced a broader perspective on the ups and downs of professional tennis. Reflecting on her growth, she explained:
“Tennis is such an up-and-down sport. Even though the downs are painful, you just try not to sit into it for so long.” She added that “one bad tournament is not the story of the whole season,” emphasizing her commitment to staying resilient through every stage of the tour.
Less pressure, Greater comfort
Having already achieved Grand Slam success twice, Gauff carries a noticeably lighter emotional load onto the court. Comparing her present mindset to her initial 2023 title run, Gauff noted, “I had confidence then but you never did something before.”
Knowing what it takes to reach the summit has altered her approach: “So just knowing I’m capable of accomplishing that. I think that’s just the difference, maybe a little bit more confidence and less pressure on myself.”
Fuelled by the home crowd
Gauff opens her tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the home fans regularly supply energy during night sessions. She noted that “playing in Ashe at night is a unique one-of-one experience” and added that the American crowd gives her “that extra boost, extra motivation” to perform.
Looking at the tournament ahead, Gauff summarized her belief by stating, “It’s just about the stars aligning and the work and sometimes luck and feeling all aligning to one.”
