Coco Gauff, one of the brightest young stars in tennis, has exuded immense confidence ahead of her China Open 2024 campaign, declaring that “she can do it” as she revealed the reasons why she believes she is the favorite to win the prestigious tournament.
After a year marked by both triumphs and setbacks, Gauff enters the China Open with a renewed sense of determination, fueled by recent experiences that have strengthened her belief in her ability to claim the title.
### Turning the Page: Learning from the U.S. Open 2024
While Gauff’s U.S. Open 2024 campaign did not end the way she had hoped, it was a tournament that provided valuable lessons and shaped her current mindset.
After bowing out earlier than expected, Gauff used the disappointment as motivation rather than allowing it to derail her season. In interviews after the U.S. Open, she reflected on the importance of growth through adversity, acknowledging that even though her title defense did not go as planned, she felt confident that “something bigger” was on the horizon.
Gauff emphasized that what transpired at the U.S. Open had not shaken her belief in her abilities but rather sharpened her focus. She recognized areas of her game that needed refinement—particularly her mental resilience and tactical adjustments against elite opponents.
These realizations, coupled with her natural athleticism and competitive spirit, have given her the edge she believes will propel her to success in Beijing.
### “She Can Do It”: Reasons Behind Gauff’s Confidence
Gauff’s belief that she is the favorite to win the China Open stems from a variety of factors, both on and off the court. She has built on key elements of her game that have matured significantly over the past year, making her a formidable contender:
1. **Physical Preparedness:**
Gauff has long been lauded for her athletic prowess, which gives her the ability to cover the court with speed and precision.
Ahead of the China Open, she has emphasized that she is in peak physical condition, which she attributes to a rigorous training regime following her U.S.
Open exit. Gauff remarked in a recent press conference, “I feel stronger and more explosive than ever before,” noting that her physical preparedness will give her the endurance needed to navigate the tournament’s demanding schedule.
2. **Improved Mental Game:**
One of the key reasons Gauff believes she is positioned to win the China Open is her evolving mental game. Over the course of 2024, she has worked diligently on developing mental toughness, a skill that has become increasingly important in handling the pressure of big matches.
“It’s not just about physical strength anymore,” Gauff explained. “I’ve learned that staying calm in crucial moments, trusting my instincts, and managing emotions on court are just as important as hitting the right shots.” She credits her team, including a sports psychologist, for helping her build mental strategies that she is ready to deploy in Beijing.
3. **Recent Tactical Adjustments:**
Following her U.S. Open campaign, Gauff’s coaching team worked closely with her to refine her game tactically.
Gauff spoke about the tactical changes she has implemented, particularly focusing on being more aggressive on the baseline and utilizing her improved serve.
“I’m going into the China Open with a clear strategy—I want to dictate points early and not give my opponents any breathing room.” She added that incorporating more variety into her game, including frequent use of drop shots and net play, would be key in breaking down the defenses of top competitors.
4. **Building Momentum:**
After the U.S. Open, Gauff participated in several smaller tournaments leading up to the China Open, where she posted solid results. These victories helped her regain confidence and sharpen her form.
She commented that these wins, while not on the same stage as a Grand Slam, were crucial in maintaining her momentum and boosting her morale. “Winning breeds confidence, and I’m carrying that energy into China,” Gauff said.
She believes that this momentum will be critical in setting the tone for her matches at the China Open, where she expects to go deep into the draw.
5. **Favorable Surface and Conditions:**
Gauff has repeatedly mentioned how comfortable she feels playing on the hard courts of Beijing.
“The surface suits my game perfectly,” she said, explaining that the medium-fast conditions complement her style of play, which involves powerful groundstrokes, strong movement, and an ability to switch between defense and attack seamlessly.
The confidence she has on hard courts, along with her adaptability to different match situations, positions her as a clear favorite.
### A Message to Her Critics: Proving She Can Win
Throughout her career, Gauff has faced the scrutiny that comes with being a young star in the spotlight. However, she has always been driven by the desire to prove her critics wrong.
Heading into the China Open, Gauff acknowledged that some doubted her ability to win a major tournament outside the U.S. or other key locations where she’s found success. “People have questioned if I can win on a global stage, especially after a tough summer,” she said. “But I know I can do it. I’ve done the work, and I’m ready.”
Gauff revealed that she draws inspiration from fellow athletes and legends who have also faced adversity, noting that overcoming challenges is part of the journey to greatness.
“Everyone has ups and downs, but it’s how you respond that defines you. I want to show everyone that I can bounce back stronger than ever.”
### Backed by Fan Support
Another critical component of Gauff’s confidence heading into the China Open is the unwavering support of her fans. Over the past year, Gauff has seen her fan base grow exponentially, particularly in Asia, where her charisma and positive energy have endeared her to new audiences.
“The fans here have been incredible. Their energy is infectious, and it motivates me to give my best on the court,” she said. Gauff knows that having the crowd behind her will be an invaluable asset as she battles through the tournament.
### Eyes on the Prize: Gauff’s China Open 2024 Mission
Ultimately, Coco Gauff enters the China Open with a singular mission: to win the title. Her blend of physical dominance, mental fortitude, tactical sophistication, and fan support makes her one of the top contenders for the crown.
The mantra “She can do it” reflects her belief in herself and the work she’s put in to get to this point. As she embarks on her China Open journey, Gauff is poised to make a deep run, and her fans and critics alike are eager to see if she can translate her words into another major triumph.
In her own words: “I’m ready. I know I have what it takes to win this tournament. Now it’s time to show it.”
