Coco Gauff has been working for years to master the massive expectations that accompany being one of the biggest stars in American tennis. She was reminded of that pressure at the 2026 US Open when she couldn’t hide her emotions on court.
The 22-year-old is back in the spotlight in New York. Gauff defeated fellow American Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals where she will face reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva.
Why Did Coco Gauff Cry on Court?
Gauff’s most emotional US Open moment was in 2025 during her second round clash with Donna Vekic. Gauff was visibly emotional before finally recovering to win the match, as she battled nerves and pressure before her performance.
Looking back on the situation, Gauff said the pressure had just gotten too much.
“I cried on the court, everybody saw that,” she said. “I felt so much pressure in that moment.”
Gauff said she was happy fans got to see her vulnerable side, but didn’t see the whole thing as a bad thing. She said that she is often seen as “calm, cool, and collected” when she is not.
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Why Does Coco Gauff Feel So Much Pressure at the US Open?
Gauff’s relationship with pressure is linked to the expectations that are placed on her as a young American star. She was already a worldwide star as a teenager, and she has already won the 2023 US Open, so every time she returns to Flushing Meadows, she is expected to be a star.
That’s been evident in her 2026 campaign. Gauff has won in New York and is now 10-0, having reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set.
Her open talk about crying on court, then, is a telling insight into the world of elite sport. Gauff’s success doesn’t mean she’s gotten rid of pressure or challenging feelings. Rather, she has discovered that it is possible to compete at the highest level by recognizing those emotions.
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