Coco Gauff may not have reached the semifinals at Indian Wells, but don’t worry about the 22-year-old American this weekend. She’ll be just fine.
After defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday, Gauff knew her fate rested with Jessica Pegula, who ultimately eliminated her by defeating Linda Noskova. Now her fate rests in the hands of a famed musician.
“If [I don’t make the semis], I’ll be in L.A. at a music festival,” Gauff told Tennis Channel, referring to her plans to see Tyler, the Creator at this weekend’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival at Dodger Stadium. “So I’ll be okay either way.”
Gauff has played her share of high-stakes tennis this year, and finishes her 2026 campaign with a 49-16 record overall, highlighted by a title in Cincinnati and runner-up finishes in Miami and Rome.
Though she fell short of her Grand Slam ambitions, Gauff went 16-4 at the majors, reaching her first Wimbledon semifinal and another at the US Open.
“I thought this year I wanted to be more consistent in the 1000s and the Slams, and that’s what I was able to do,” she said.
She seemed particularly excited when talking about her success at Wimbledon this summer.
“I’m not going to lie, I wanted to play better on grass, but it felt like one of those goals that did not feel in the cards,” she said. “But I am liking grass, and I feel like I can be a great grass-court player.”
Gauff said that reaching the second week at the All England Club for the first time since her breakout as a 15-year-old in 2019 is a very positive sign. She won four three-setters and ultimately bowed out to Karolina Muchova in heartbreaking fashion, missing a much-discussed drop shot from the midcourt on match point – one that has surely appeared in her nightmares.
Nevertheless, the positive run in Wimbledon gave Gauff confidence in her ability to become a true three-surface threat, which bodes well for the future.
“I think it gave me confidence, and I’m working on trying to get to the net more, and a lot of people want me to do that, so I’m trying,” she said. “And I like to volley, so I should.”
Certain parts of the American’s game were as reliable as ever. The two-time major champion’s physical prowess and mental toughness were on full display throughout the season, as she compiled a 19-11 record in deciding sets. She also made significant strides with her serve and forehand, two shots that have historically troubled her.
“Obviously, the goal was to try to win a Slam, but I think the more opportunities I put myself in those semifinal scenarios and quarterfinal scenarios, I’ll break through.”
“I’m really happy with my season overall,” she added. “Obviously, there were some disappointments, but there were also a lot of things to be proud of.”
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