Coco Gauff’s best opportunity to win a Grand Slam championship is in the US Open: After overcoming despair and refocusing her career, America’s teenage tennis sensation arrives in Queens with one loss in seven weeks.

Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star from the United States, is heading to the US Open with strong prospects for her first Grand Slam title. Gauff’s recent successes in hard-court tournaments, including wins in Washington and Cincinnati, have reignited her momentum, positioning her as a top contender at the upcoming US Open in Flushing, Queens.

Despite being just 19 years old, Gauff has already achieved remarkable success, earning around $9 million and holding a sixth-ranking position in her profession. However, she has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, which has been a significant goal for her. In 2019, Gauff gained widespread recognition for defeating tennis legend Serena Williams at Wimbledon when she was only 15. This victory cast her into the spotlight as Williams’ potential successor, and expectations for her future performances grew significantly.

Gauff’s journey has been marked by challenges, including a battle with depression in 2020. She struggled with the pressures of high expectations and the feeling of being in Serena Williams’ shadow. The isolation brought about by the pandemic exacerbated her struggles. However, Gauff made the choice to persevere in tennis and focused on prioritizing herself rather than seeking approval from others.

Her recent successes have been attributed to her commitment to self-improvement and learning from mistakes. Gauff has worked on refining her playing style, focusing on elements like footwork and tempo. With the guidance of her new full-time coach, Pere Riba, and temporary consultant, Brad Gilbert, Gauff has shown remarkable progress in her game. She has learned to take time between points, reset, and maintain mental toughness.

Gauff’s peers have acknowledged her growth, describing her as a top player who demands strong performance from her opponents. She has become known for her mental resilience and determination on the court. Gauff’s ultimate goal remains to secure her first Grand Slam title, and she is working hard to control matches and achieve that milestone.

As she heads into the US Open, Gauff’s recent successes and newfound mental strength position her as a formidable competitor, and many eyes will be on her performance in Queens.