As World No. 3 Coco Gauff gears up for the Indian Wells Open 2025, the tennis prodigy faces mounting pressure to reclaim her dominant form after a string of early exits this season. A quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open, followed by setbacks in Doha and Dubai, has left fans and critics questioning her momentum.
Yet, amid the chaos of competition, Gauff’s secret weapon isn’t just her powerful forehand—it’s her unwavering focus on mental resilience. Let’s dive into the strategies she’s shared for staying grounded under the spotlight, revealing how she transforms pressure into poise.
Coco Gauff’s blueprint for mental clarity
For Gauff, mental preparation begins long before she steps onto the court. In past interviews, the 20-year-old has peeled back the curtain on rituals that keep her centered during high-stakes tournaments.
“When I look good, I feel good,” she once revealed, emphasizing the confidence boost from simple acts of self-care. “I always try to start a new swing with a fresh hairstyle. Just got my hair and nails done yesterday—it makes you feel like a different person.”
But her routine goes beyond aesthetics. Meditation plays a pivotal role in quieting the noise.
“I’ve been trying to meditate more,” Coco Gauff admitted. “Sometimes I’m impatient, so it’s hard to sit still. But I’m learning to ground myself, take deep breaths, and stay in the moment.”
This practice helps her combat the relentless pace of the tour, where mental fatigue can rival physical exhaustion.
Routines, rituals, and resilience
Gauff’s approach blends structure with flexibility. She adheres to pre-match habits—like carrying six rackets—but frames them as “routine, not superstition.” Nutrition also factors in:
“I always have fruit before matches. Stress can mess with your energy levels, so I eat fruit to combat that.”
This simple act stabilizes her nerves, ensuring her body and mind stay synced.
Off the court, her family’s influence anchors her. Raised with a strong sense of purpose, Coco Gauff credits her grandmother and parents for instilling courage to speak up about issues often sidelined in tennis.
“It’s rooted in me to raise awareness about things people don’t talk about,” she said.
This mindset not only fuels her advocacy but also strengthens her mental resolve, reminding her that her impact extends beyond wins and losses.
Why this routine matters now
As Indian Wells looms, Gauff’s mental toolkit is more crucial than ever. The tournament’s grueling format and elite field demand not just skill, but emotional stamina. Her ability to “treat it like a one-time thing”—savoring the journey rather than obsessing over results—could be the key to breaking her 2025 slump.
Fans have seen glimpses of this mindset in her past comebacks, where she’s turned setbacks into stepping stones. By prioritizing self-care, mindfulness, and purpose, Coco Gauff transforms pressure into a catalyst for growth.
The bigger picture
Gauff’s transparency about mental health challenges the “win-at-all-costs” narrative in sports. In sharing her strategies, she normalizes the struggles athletes face and empowers others to prioritize well-being. Whether she lifts the trophy in California or not, her legacy is already being written—one mindful breath, one fresh hairstyle, and one courageous conversation at a time.