Gauff admits impostor syndrome after reaching Miami semi-finals

Miami Gardens, USA: World number four Coco Gauff said she sometimes struggles with impostor syndrome despite her success on the tour after beating Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic to reach the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time.

The 22-year-old American won 6-3 1-6 6-3 on Tuesday to advance to the last four, having previously failed to go beyond the fourth round in six attempts.

With the victory, Gauff also became the youngest American to reach the women’s singles semi-finals in Miami since Serena Williams in 2004.

“I think sometimes I can get impostor syndrome,” Gauff told reporters.

“Even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on or during the warm-up, it doesn’t feel like me and I’m like, ‘Oh, actually, you do have a good career’.

“But it doesn’t feel like that sometimes. When you’re working on things, and especially with my serve, it just feels like I shouldn’t be where I am. But tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie, so I just have to believe in myself.”

Gauff, a two-times Grand Slam champion, said her coach has been working with her on building confidence.

“At moments, I believe in it, and other moments, I don’t. I’m just trying to believe in it more,” she said.

Gauff will face Czech Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals on Thursday and holds a 5-0 record against her opponent.