Coco Gauff explains what she was ‘disappointed’ with at Indian Wells despite winning her first round match

Follow us on Google Discover

Coco Gauff has battled her way into the third round of Indian Wells, overcoming Moyuka Uchijima in round two.

Aryna Sabalenka has praised Gauff’s backhand, with both WTA stars winning their openers at Indian Wells 2025.

After being handed a bye in round one, third seed Gauff defeated Uchijima 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7-4) to set up a third round meeting with Maria Sakkari.

Greek star Sakkari, the 29th seed at Indian Wells this year, lost both the 2022 and 2024 finals to Iga Swiatek.

Gauff has struggled for form in recent times, with the WTA number three recently losing her opening matches at the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships.

Coco Gauff ‘disappointed’ with opening Indian Wells process

The 20-year-old fell in the round of 32 at both tournaments, having previously exited the Australian Open at the quarter-final stage.

Processing her first win since the Australian Open, Gauff told Tennis Channel: “Yeah, it wasn’t my best performance at all, but I don’t know, I think coming off of two first round losses it was just good to get into the next round, even if it wasn’t the best way.

READ MORE: CoCo Vandeweghe predicts if Coco Gauff can win Indian Wells this week after disappointing run

“But I don’t know, just kind of excited to get back to work. I think this is one of those matches where the result, you’re happy with, but I guess the process you’re a little bit disappointed with.”

Coco Gauff feeling optimistic after first win since Australian Open

Gauff has placed high expectations on herself from day one, with the youngster achieving remarkable success in her brief career so far.

Aged just 20, she already boasts nine WTA Tour-level titles, and last summer reached second in the world rankings.

READ MORE: Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka tell the WTA what they want them to start doing more often after their latest rebrand

US Open and WTA Finals titles are also on her impressive CV, but lately she has fallen short of reaching those levels.

She does, however, remain upbeat at Indian Wells, with Gauff having been asked if she takes more pride in matches like the one she has just triumphed in.

“Yeah, I mean, yeah,” she replied. “I think for me, I guess maybe not pride but I guess it gives me more optimism about just my game in general.

“I think when I’m playing so bad and able to still win it gives me hope that when things mesh together it could be pretty dangerous.

“And obviously I’ve had matches this year and tournaments this year already where things have meshed together, so it’s just trying to get through this period and hoping that eventually it will.”