Coco Gauff is ready “to get back to work” after losing in the semifinal round of the Australian Open.
Gauff, 19, lost to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus — who she defeated to win the US Open — in straight sets, 7-6 (2), 6-4 on Thursday night.
“Reminding myself that i’m still evolving. time to get back to work and come back stronger. thank you @australianopen for the memories this year and thank you everyone for their support????????????” the tennis star wrote on Instagram, along with a carousel of images from the tournament, shortly after the loss.
Gauff shared similar sentiments in a press conference following the match.
"I had chances in both sets, but she played better tonight," Gauff said. "I felt like I did my best with the game plan that I had. I think it just came down to a couple of points."
She added, comparing the match to her win in New York: “You know, US Open I felt like wasn’t a great match for me. Yes, I won. I think I played better tonight.”
Earlier this month, the tennis phenom offered insight about her competitive mindset on the eve of the Grand Slam.
“I think I put too much pressure on winning a Slam. I think I was feeling like I have to do it,” Gauff said. “When I went on the scene at 15, I felt like I had to win a Slam as a teenager because that’s what everybody thought.”
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Yet when she lost in the first round in Wimbledon last year, the experience helped her gain perspective.
“The world didn’t end," she said. “The sun still shines. I still have my friends and family.”
She went on to note, “I realized that losing isn’t all that bad, and that I should just focus on the battle and the process and enjoy it. I found myself being able to play freer and trust myself more.”
