Coco Gauff's Roland Garros dream run is fueled by reality check.
In an all-American quarterfinal, Gauff defeated 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens 7-5, 6-2 soaring into her first Grand Slam semifinal in just her 11th career major.
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The 18-year-old Gauff has not dropped a set en route to the singles semifinal vs. Martina Trevisan. Gauff is still alive in doubles too, partnering Jessica Pegula, who takes on world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in tomorrow's singles quarterfinal. Gauff and Pegula play Anna Bondar and Greet Minnen in tomorrow's doubles quarterfinal with the winner taking on Taylor Townsend and Madison Keys in the semifinals.
Gauff credits tuning out external expectations and embracing reality for this Roland Garros joy ride.
"Ever since I joined the tour, or even when I was young or eight, even eight years old, the next Serena, next this, next that, and I think I really fell into the trap of believing that," Gauff said. "And it's important that you have high hopes for yourself, but also, at the same time, it's important to be in reality and I think that's where I am. I'm in reality where I'm enjoying the moment and enjoying the situation...
"I felt like I was to the point where even when I made the second week or beat Naomi at Australian Open, I remember like I was happy but I wasn't like that happy because, I was, like, I feel like that's what I should do. Whereas now I'm really appreciating each win and loss."
Appreciating her breakout run has freed Gauff up to play her best tennis. Gauff says simplifying the game by focusing on fighting for every point has helped her handle major stress.
"Going onto the court, I just try to bring my best every match. I fight for every point," Gauff said. "You know, if it doesn't go my way, then, you know, you gotta look at the match and figure out what I need to work on.
"I feel like a lot of my losses in the past were due to mental errors of just getting used to being on tour and getting used to playing these intense matches. I feel like now, really, mentally I'm in a great place. So I know if I do lose a match it's not going to be because of that. I'm okay, if it is because of my game, because that's something that I can work on."
Photo credit: Getty