‘I believe in myself’ – Coco Gauff’s fresh mindset spurring best-ever Grand Slam run after reaching French Open semis

Coco Gauff says no longer trying to “fulfil other people’s expectations” is the reason behind her ground-breaking run at the French Open. The 18-year-old reached a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time after overcoming fellow American Sloane Stephens on Tuesday.

Ad/> Gauff’s previous best came at last year’s French Open, where she lost to eventual winner Barbora Krejcikova at the quarter-final stage. Roland-GarrosBrilliant Gauff sweeps Stephens aside to reach first Grand Slam semi-finalAN HOUR AGO This time, Gauff won through 7-5 6-2 to set up a last-four meeting with Italy’s Martina Trevisan, guaranteeing at least one first-time major finalist come Saturday.

“I feel so happy right now, words can’t explain,” she said on-court afterwards. “Last year in the quarter-finals, it was a tough loss for me, and I think that match really made me stronger, to better prepare for moments like today and like I’ll face in the next round.” Brilliant Gauff sweeps Stephens aside to reach first Grand Slam semi-final 'I'm going to make some mistakes' — Gauff happy to be a role model 'I hope so but I don't know' — Toni Nadal hopes Rafa retirement talk is premature Asked whether she sees a bright future for herself, and if she had any advice for the next generation, Gauff replied: “Yeah, I believe in myself.

Last year, I think I was too focused on trying to fulfil other people’s expectations. “I think, just enjoy life.

No matter how good or bad my career is, I think I’m a great person, so I think that’s a message for all the young players out there. “Your results or your job or how much money you make doesn’t define you as a person, so just know that if you love yourself, who cares what anyone else thinks.” Gauff had lost her previous