We often neglect the impact of the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic on sports. The 2020 season was cut-short, rankings were frozen and the 2021 calendar saw a complete change of events. Normalcy slowly started to resume in 2022, but certain events, including Wimbledon, saw numerous withdrawals because of the virus.

The three years of bubble life, regular quarantine, covid tests, and a lot more restrictions took a toll on players’ mental health. Coco Gauff recently spoke about how the covid-life affected her. She did not emphasize mental issues, but she did make a pretty vital point in the context of the pandemic.

Coco Gauff speaks on the impact of covid

Gauff secured a comfortable straight-set victory over the Briton Jodie Burrage yesterday in Eastbourne. In the post-match press conference, the American was asked about the confidence she gets from her past results, like the win against Venus Williams at Wimbledon. Gauff’s answer was pretty unexpected.

She said, “Not really. It feels like so long ago, and I feel like people remind me of everything every year. I don’t really feel like it adds pressure or I feel like I have to get my mind out of it. Honestly, feels like 10 years ago, even though I know it’s not. I think it’s just how the tour year, especially with covid, just feels like so long ago.”

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Gauff highlighted that the three covid years felt like more than just three years. She was referring to the mental exhaustion of the bubbles and the change in lifestyle. Pre-covid years seem like a completely different chapter after the pandemic.

Is covid the only reason why it feels so long for Gauff?

Gauff was only 15 when she registered her landmark victory against Venus Williams at Wimbledon. She has been around in the tour for a long time and has been a regular top 10 player. In the meantime, she has also tasted success in the doubles field alongside her partner Jessica Pegula.

Being amongst the top players in the tour for the last few years might also be the reason why 2019 feels so long ago for Gauff. She has seen a complete transition in herself, both as a player and a person, in the last four years.

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