Coco Gauff is out of the 2024 Miami Open, but she dismissed suggestions that it was because of any kind of extra pressure.
Things changed quite a bit for Gauff after last year's run on home soil. The American finally won a few big trophies, including her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open. As a major champion, she was expected to add more success this year.
She has played well so far but hasn't really added any spectacular trophies. She won in Auckland, but that's her only trophy this year so far. Now, she lost early in Miami, resulting in another trophy-less week.
Having grown up around Miami, Gauff was expected to do really well at the event, but she hasn't so far. Speaking after her loss to Caroline Garcia, the 20-year-old admitted that pressure didn't really bother her because she likes to embrace the pressure, especially when she's playing on home soil.
"Not really, no. I think honestly it's just tough matches over the years. I mean, I feel like I know how to play with home pressure, especially after the whole U.S. swing last year, so I didn't feel any nerves coming in today or at all this week."
Gauff managed to be competitive throughout the Sunshine Double but not good enough to leave with a trophy. She recognized it herself, and while her level against Garcia could have been better, it wasn't about her level but because the French player was simply playing too well.
"I actually felt really good, because I felt like I didn't play that well in Indian Wells. Then coming here, my first two matches were good. And even today, the level could have been better, so I don't think it had anything to do with being home."
Up next is the clay-court part of the season for the young American.
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