American tennis star Coco Gauff has spoken about the challenges of achieving success at a young age, saying she relates closely to the journey of figure skating champion Alysa Liu.
Ahead of the BNP Paribas Open, Gauff reflected on Liu’s story and how it mirrors aspects of her own rise in professional sport. Liu gained worldwide attention when she became the United States national champion in figure skating at just 13 and 14 years old. Gauff experienced a similarly rapid ascent after joining the WTA Tour at 14 and becoming an international sensation by the age of 15.
Despite their early success, both athletes faced the pressures that come with being in the spotlight from a young age. Liu stepped away from competitive skating in 2022 after saying she had already achieved the goals she set for herself while still very young. Her later return to competition and eventual victory at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics demonstrated that athletes can redefine success and prioritize their well being.
Gauff said Liu’s decision to speak openly about her experiences resonated strongly with her. Although the tennis player explained that she has not experienced full burnout, she acknowledged that athletes often face moments of mental fatigue.
According to Gauff, there are times when the intense schedule and expectations can leave athletes feeling mentally drained, even when they remain passionate about their sport. She praised Liu for openly discussing feelings that many athletes experience but may hesitate to express publicly.
Beyond Liu’s achievements, Gauff also said she enjoys following other athletes across different sports. She highlighted freestyle skier Eileen Gu for her thoughtful interviews and mentioned the excitement of watching the United States men’s and women’s hockey teams secure dramatic Olympic gold medal victories.
As Gauff prepares for the BNP Paribas Open, she continues to balance the expectations that come with being one of tennis’s brightest young stars. Like Liu, her journey reflects the challenges and resilience required to succeed at the highest level of sport.
