Coco Gauff Advised: Two Crucial Tweaks Could Secure World No. 1 Spot

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has been told that making two significant adjustments to her game could solidify her position at the top of the world rankings. Gauff, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, is considered a strong contender to challenge current No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Experts suggest that improvements to her serve and forehand could be the key to Gauff’s ascent to the coveted top spot.

The Two Key Improvements for Gauff

Tennis analysts and coaches have pinpointed two specific areas where Gauff can elevate her game to reach and maintain the No. 1 ranking:

1. Sharpening the Serve

• Inconsistency Issues Addressed: Gauff’s serve, while possessing power, has been plagued by inconsistency.
• Technical Adjustments: With the assistance of her new coach, Matt Daly, Gauff has been working on adjusting her grip to improve the technical aspects of her serve.
• Increased First-Serve Percentage: Gauff’s increased her first-serve percentage to an impressive 65% during the WTA Finals.
• Strategic Weapon: The goal is to transform her serve into a more reliable weapon that she can strategically utilize during matches.
• Macci’s Prediction: Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci believes Gauff’s improved serve will propel her to the No. 1 ranking.

2. Enhancing the Forehand

• Grip Adjustment: Similar to her serve, Gauff has been focusing on refining her forehand grip to eliminate technical shortcomings.
• Daly’s Input: New coach Matt Daly is helping Gauff with the technical side of her forehand.
• Aggressive Returns: Gauff is working on taking the ball early, especially on second serves, to pressure her opponents with aggressive returns.

Coaches’ Influence and Team Dynamics

Brad Gilbert

• Embracing Development: With the guidance of coach Brad Gilbert, Gauff transitioned from focusing on her existing skills to embracing continuous development.
• Gilbert’s Belief: Gilbert believed hard courts were Gauff’s best surface.

Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe “JC” Faurel

• Technical Focus: Daly focuses on the technical elements of Gauff’s game, particularly her serve and forehand.
• Footwork and Shot Selection: Faurel concentrates on improving Gauff’s footwork and shot selection.
• Complementary Combo: Gauff describes the combination of Daly and Faurel as “a great combo”.

Gauff’s Recent Performance and Mindset

WTA Finals Champion

• Victories Over Top Players: Gauff’s recent championship at the WTA Finals, which included victories over Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, has boosted her confidence.
• “New szn, better me”: Gauff’s social media post reflects her mindset of continuous improvement.

Australian Open Preparation

• Mixed Doubles Exhibition: Gauff participated in a mixed doubles exhibition at Rod Laver Arena, showcasing her improved serve.
• Focus on Development: Gauff aims to focus on her development rather than the pressure of the event.

Ranking

• Current Ranking: Coco Gauff is currently ranked third behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
• UTR Rating: Gauff was confirmed as the No. 1 player in the latest UTR Ratings in January 2025.
• Career-High Ranking: Gauff reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in singles on June 10, 2024.

Expert Opinions and Predictions

Rick Macci

• “Number one around the corner”: Macci believes Gauff’s improved serve will propel her to the No. 1 ranking.
• Fluid WTA Season: Macci predicts the 2025 season will be the most fluid in many years on the WTA Tour.

Iga Swiatek

• Improving Player: Five-time Slam champion Iga Swiatek acknowledges Gauff’s improvement.
• Losses to Gauff: Swiatek recently lost to Gauff in the WTA Finals and the United Cup final.

Gauff’s Versatility Across Surfaces

• All-Surface Player: Coco Gauff has demonstrated her ability to perform well on all court surfaces.
• Hard Courts: Gauff won her first Grand Slam title on US Open hard courts.
• Clay Courts: Gauff reached her first major final on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
• Grass Courts: Gauff burst onto the scene with her fourth-round run on the grass courts of Wimbledon in 2019.