Gauff reveals struggle with pressure, depression

Fans know Coco Gauff as the teenage sensation who took over the globe's attention over the past year. But it hasn't been all wins and fun for the American. On Tuesday, the 16-year-old opened up about her darkest moments for Behind the Racquet.

"Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want," Gauff said. "It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast."

The teen went viral overnight after defeating Venus Williams at last year's Wimbledon. Starting in the juniors, Gauff was successful well before the world knew her name, but with success came pressure and it weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"For about a year I was really depressed," Gauff said, about her 2017/2018. "That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me."

After feeling lost and confused, Gauff realized she wasn't playing the game for herself but for others. Not knowing what direction she wanted to go in, she even considered stepping away for a year off to focus on life.

"I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life," Gauff said.

Now, when she walks on the court she plays for herself, not the expectations or for anyone else. The world No. 52 is already famous for her calm and mature demeanor on the court; it's clearly something that she worked hard for.

Even though she's beaten Venus twice, Gauff also believes she shouldn't be grouped in with the Williams sisters.

"At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus," Gauff said. "First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up."

Gauff captured her first WTA singles title last October in Linz, as well as two doubles crowns. Her last event was the Australian Open where she beat Venus, Sorana Cirstea and Naomi Osaka.

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