Coco Gauff makes honest imposter syndrome admission during Miami Open 2026 run, faces Karolina Muchova in semifinal next (Image via Getty)
Coco Gauff spoke honestly after her latest win at the Miami Open 2026, and her words stood out more than the result. The American star reached the semifinals after beating Belinda Bencic in three sets on March 24, but what she shared after the match caught attention.
Even with big wins and titles, Gauff said she still doubts herself. She explained that sometimes she feels like she does not belong at the top level, even though her results say otherwise. This comes despite her already winning two Grand Slam titles, the WTA Finals, and multiple WTA 1000 events.Speaking in her post-match press conference, Gauff admitted that hearing her own achievements does not always feel real.“I think I have to believe that I belong where I am. I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome and, 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,” Coco Gauff said.She also made it clear that she is trying to change that mindset. Gauff said she reminds herself that results matter, and her team helps her stay grounded.“But tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie, so I just have to believe in myself. My coach has been reminding me-remember who you are, you’re a good player.
They’ve been putting that into my head. At moments, I believe in it, and other moments, I don’t. I’m just trying to believe in it more,” she added.
Coco Gauff faces Karolina Muchova in Miami Open 2026 semifinal after honest admission about self doubt
Now, Gauff moves forward in the tournament with strong momentum. She will face Karolina Muchova in the semifinals on March 26. This matchup is important, but history is clearly on Gauff’s side.She has played Muchova five times before and has won all five matches. Most of those wins came in straight sets, though their last meeting at the 2026 Australian Open was tougher and went to three sets.
All their matches have been played on hard courts, which is also the surface in Miami.Because of this record, Gauff will feel confident going into the match. At the same time, her recent comments show that confidence is something she is still building every day.This semifinal also gives her a big chance. She is aiming to reach her first final of the 2026 season and her sixth WTA 1000 final overall. If she wins, she could face one of Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, or Hailey Baptiste in the final.For now, though, the focus is simple. Gauff is trying to trust herself more while continuing her strong run at her home tournament.
