Gauff on her losing streak: "I think everyone is exaggerating the situation"

After an excellent end to the 2024 season where she won the WTA 1000 in Beijing and then the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, Coco Gauff has faced more difficulties at the start of this year.

Quarter-finalist at the Australian Open where she lost to Paula Badosa (7-5, 6-4), the American had a tough February.

During the Middle East tour, the world No. 3 was defeated in her opening matches in Doha and Dubai, respectively against Marta Kostyuk (6-2, 7-5) and McCartney Kessler (6-4, 7-5).

At a press conference in Indian Wells, Gauff was asked about her current streak of three consecutive losses but doesn't seem worried.

"I think everyone is exaggerating the situation. Yes, I've lost twice in a row, and it has happened to me more than once in my career, it's normal. Everyone is saying, 'Oh, she's having a crisis.' No, we've all been through it.

I will get back to optimal condition. A month has passed, but in the end, it's only two tournaments. I will have many more opportunities to improve because it's impossible to win every match.

It's true that this part of the season hasn't been easy for me, the playing conditions haven't been in my favor. But it's normal, you have to move forward and improve. I know the results will come.

It would be naive to think that losing several matches in a row won't happen again, especially if I plan to play for at least another 10 years," assured Gauff, who will open her California tournament against Emma Raducanu or Moyuka Uchijima.