Gauff Opens Up on Imposter Syndrome Ahead of Miami Open Semis

Miami Open, Coco Gauff battles past Belinda Bencic to semis

World number four Coco Gauff reaches Miami Open semi-finals, opens up on self-doubt. Coco Gauff faces Karolina Muchova in semis after revealing impostor syndrome struggles.

Gauff beats Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, advances to Miami Open semis, amid imposter syndrome struggles...

Coco Gauff, the world number four, is opening up about her struggles with impostor syndrome after reaching the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time. She defeated Switzerland's Belinda Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Gauff shared that she sometimes feels like she doesn't belong at the top level, despite her impressive achievements, including two Grand Slam titles. 

Gauff will face Czech Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals on Thursday, having won all five of their previous meetings. This matchup is a great opportunity for Gauff to advance further in the tournament and build her confidence.

Persistence and determination 💪@CocoGauff comes out on top of another three set thriller!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/EtPPlDKFyK

— wta (@WTA) March 25, 2026

Coco Gauff made history by becoming the youngest American to reach the women's singles semi-finals in Miami since Serena Williams in 2004. Reflecting on her achievement, Gauff opened up about her struggles with impostor syndrome. “I think sometimes I can get impostor syndrome,” she shared with reporters. 

Gauff's coach has been working with her to build confidence, reminding her of her strengths and accomplishments. “My coaches have been reminding me, like, 'Remember who you are,' and 'You're a good player,'” she said. Despite her doubts, Gauff is determined to believe in herself and her abilities. “Tennis doesn't lie, the ball doesn't lie, so I just have to believe in myself.”

“Even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on or during the warm-up, it doesn't ⁠feel like me and I'm like, 'Oh, actually, you do have a good career'.

“But it doesn't feel like that sometimes. When you're working ‌on things, and especially with my serve, it just feels like I shouldn't be where I am. But tennis doesn't lie, the ball doesn't lie, so I just have to believe in myself.”

Gauff's coach has been working with her to build confidence, reminding her of her strengths and accomplishments as a two-time Grand Slam champion.

“At moments, I believe in it, and other moments, ‌I don't. I'm just trying to believe in it more,” she said.

Gauff will take on Czech Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals on Thursday, looking to extend her winning streak to 6-0 against the Czech.