Can Coco Conquer Her Forehand Fears?

Coco Gauff, the young American tennis sensation, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her electrifying athleticism, powerful serve, and unwavering determination. However, beneath the surface of her remarkable talent lies a persistent challenge: her forehand. Tennis legends Andy Roddick and Jim Courier have recently weighed in on this critical aspect of Gauff’s game, pinpointing it as a major area of concern that could hinder her progress on the court. This article delves into their analysis, exploring the nuances of Gauff’s forehand struggles and examining potential solutions to unlock her full potential.

Forehand Under Scrutiny

Coco Gauff’s unexpected semifinal loss to Jasmine Paolini at the Italian Open in May 2025 brought her forehand woes back into the spotlight. Roddick and Courier didn’t hold back in their assessment, highlighting the shot’s tendency to break down under pressure. Courier, a four-time Grand Slam champion, emphasized the alarming number of unforced errors stemming from Gauff’s forehand, stating, “She had 33 unforced errors in that shot alone. You would need a real big shovel to fill that hole in, and it’s something that’s very concerning because you don’t want that to happen at the biggest moment.” He also noted Gauff’s visible frustration with her team during the match, suggesting a potential disconnect in addressing the issue.

Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, echoed Courier’s sentiments, asserting that Gauff’s forehand will remain a mental hurdle until she can consistently execute it with confidence. He suggested an aggressive approach early in matches, encouraging her to swing freely and commit to the shot. However, he also cautioned against excessive errors, advising her to rely on her athleticism and court coverage if the forehand isn’t firing early on.

A Recurring Theme

This isn’t the first time Gauff’s forehand has been identified as a potential Achilles’ heel. For years, analysts and coaches have pointed to its inconsistency and vulnerability under pressure. While Gauff has achieved remarkable success despite this perceived weakness, it’s clear that addressing it could elevate her game to new heights.

Unpacking the Forehand Flaws

So, what exactly are the issues plaguing Gauff’s forehand? Several factors contribute to its inconsistency:

• Technical Issues: Some analysts suggest that Gauff’s forehand technique is fundamentally flawed. Rick Macci noted that it makes “ZERO sense” not to biomechanically modify the forehand. John Yandell observed similarities between Gauff’s forehand and that of her idol, Serena Williams, particularly in tilting the racket tip forward during the backswing. While this can generate power, it also requires precise timing and can lead to inconsistency. Robert Landsorp, Pete Sampras’ former coach, suggested incorporating reverse forehands into her training and following through down more to prevent the ball from sailing.
• Mental Block: The constant scrutiny surrounding her forehand has likely created a mental block for Gauff. Knowing that opponents will target this shot can lead to tentativeness and a lack of confidence, especially in crucial moments. Andy Roddick stated that the forehand “is always going to be in the back of her head until it’s not”.
• Pressure and Nerves: The pressure of high-stakes matches can exacerbate any existing technical flaws or mental anxieties. Gauff’s forehand tends to become more erratic when she’s feeling the heat, leading to a cascade of unforced errors.

Potential Solutions

Addressing Gauff’s forehand woes requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the technical and mental aspects of the shot. Here are some potential solutions:

Technical Adjustments

• Grip Modification: Experimenting with a slightly different grip could improve Gauff’s control and consistency. Robert Landsorp suggested that when Coco Gauff was a junior, her coach had her try and hit a forehand like Serena Williams.
• Shorten the Swing: Reducing the length of her backswing could enhance her timing and reduce the risk of errors. Rick Macci noted that Coco gets a short ball, her back swing’s modified, so where the ball lands she does shorten her stroke and she usually delivers a good one.
• Focus on Contact Point: Emphasizing a consistent contact point in front of her body would improve her accuracy and power.
• Reverse Forehands: Robert Landsorp emphasized the importance of incorporating reverse forehands into Gauff’s training and following through down more to prevent the ball from sailing.

Mental Fortitude

• Visualization and Positive Self-Talk: Using mental imagery to visualize successful forehands and employing positive self-talk can boost Gauff’s confidence and reduce anxiety. Fay asked to improve her tennis serve and to imagine the serve differently – that is to hit up and not forward.
• Embrace Aggression: Encouraging Gauff to embrace an aggressive mindset and commit to her forehand, even if it means making some errors, could help her overcome her tentativeness.
• Mindfulness and Focus: Practicing mindfulness techniques can help Gauff stay present in the moment and avoid dwelling on past mistakes.

Strategic Approaches

• Varying Shot Selection: Mixing up her forehand with slice shots and changes in spin can keep opponents guessing and prevent them from exploiting her weaknesses.
• Court Positioning: Improving her footwork and court positioning can allow Gauff to take the ball earlier and dictate play, reducing the pressure on her forehand.
• Targeted Practice: Focusing on specific drills designed to improve her forehand technique and consistency can build muscle memory and confidence.

The Path Forward

Coco Gauff’s forehand struggles are a well-documented challenge, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing the technical flaws, strengthening her mental fortitude, and implementing strategic adjustments, Gauff can transform her forehand from a liability into a weapon.

In fact, Gauff has already made strides in improving her forehand and serve. She has worked with new coach Matt Daly to adjust her grips, focusing on the technical aspects of her game, while Jean-Christophe “JC” Faurel concentrates on footwork and shot selection.

It’s important to remember that Gauff is still young and has plenty of time to refine her game. Her athleticism, determination, and work ethic are undeniable assets. With the right guidance and a commitment to improvement, Coco Gauff can overcome her forehand fears and achieve her full potential on the court, which would include another Grand Slam title.