Coco’s Comeback: How Her Coach Is Acing Her Game

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has been making headlines not just for her powerful serves and impressive court coverage, but also for the strategic changes she’s implemented with the help of her coaching team. After a somewhat rocky patch following her 2023 US Open victory, Gauff has been diligently working on refining her game, and the results are starting to show. Here’s how her coaching adjustments are helping her tackle her biggest issues and elevate her performance on the court.

A Fresh Start: The Coaching Shake-Up

Following a disappointing summer and an early exit from her US Open title defense in September 2024, Coco Gauff made some significant changes, most notably parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert. While their partnership had yielded a Grand Slam title, Gauff felt it was time for a reset to add new dimensions to her game.

Enter Matt Daly, who joined Jean-Christophe Faurel, Gauff’s long-term mentor, to form her new coaching team. Daly, who has previously coached players like Denis Shapovalov, focuses on the technical aspects of Gauff’s game, while Faurel concentrates on footwork and shot selection. This complementary approach has proven to be a winning formula.

Focusing on the Fundamentals: Serve and Forehand

One of the primary areas of focus has been Gauff’s serve. In her fourth-round loss at the 2024 US Open, she struggled with 19 double faults, highlighting the need for improvement. Working with Matt Daly, Gauff has made subtle but impactful adjustments to her serve technique and grip.

According to Gauff, these changes have already led to a “drastic improvement.” Rather than completely overhauling her technique, the focus has been on refining specific elements to enhance consistency and power. She told the WTA Insider, “When I serve well, I play pretty well. For me, that’s the basis for my game.”

In addition to her serve, Gauff has also been working on her forehand. These adjustments aim to address weaknesses in her game and provide her with more tools to dictate play.

Embracing the Uncomfortable: A New Perspective

Beyond the technical adjustments, Gauff has also embraced a new perspective on competition. She acknowledges the mental challenges of playing against opponents, especially when the crowd heavily favors them. This mental fortitude, combined with her physical prowess, makes her a formidable player on any court.

Early Successes: Momentum Building

The partnership with Matt Daly has already yielded promising results. Gauff started 2025 strong, winning the United Cup with the United States team and securing impressive victories at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Notably, she defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets during the United Cup final, reversing Swiatek’s previous dominance in their head-to-head record.

Australian Open and Beyond

At the 2025 Australian Open, Gauff reached the quarterfinals, demonstrating her continued progress. And most recently, she triumphed at the 2025 French Open, securing her second Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final. This victory marked the first French Open singles win for an American athlete since Serena Williams in 2015, further solidifying Gauff’s status as a dominant force in women’s tennis.

The Coaching Team: A Closer Look

Matt Daly: The Technical Guru

Matt Daly’s expertise lies in the technical aspects of tennis. His focus on Gauff’s serve and forehand has been instrumental in her recent improvements. Daly’s ability to identify and address subtle flaws in her technique has helped Gauff gain more control and consistency in her shots.

Jean-Christophe Faurel: The Long-Term Mentor

Jean-Christophe Faurel has been a constant presence in Gauff’s career since March 2019. His focus on footwork and shot selection complements Daly’s technical work, creating a well-rounded coaching approach. Faurel’s long-term guidance has been invaluable in shaping Gauff’s overall game and strategy.

Other Key Team Members

• Corey and Candi Gauff (Parents): Gauff’s parents have been a constant source of support and guidance throughout her career. While Corey, her father, used to be her primary coach, he now supports her from the stands, while Candi provides unwavering emotional support.
• Richard Woodroof (Fitness Coach): Woodroof is responsible for Gauff’s physical conditioning, ensuring she has the stamina and agility to compete at the highest level.
• Maria Vargo and Stephane Dal Soglio (Trainers): Vargo and Dal Soglio provide medical support and injury prevention, keeping Gauff healthy and ready to perform.

Overcoming Challenges: The Mental Game

Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Gauff has openly discussed the pressures and expectations that come with being a top player. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and maintain a positive mindset has been crucial to her success.

Learning from Losses

Gauff has emphasized the importance of learning from both wins and losses. She acknowledges that losing a match is not the end of the world and focuses on using setbacks as opportunities for growth. This perspective has helped her develop resilience and maintain a long-term focus on improvement.

Gauff’s Evolving Game: Key Improvements

1. Serve: Enhanced consistency and power through subtle technical adjustments.
2. Forehand: Refined grip and technique for better control and shot-making ability.
3. Footwork: Improved agility and court coverage through focused training.
4. Shot Selection: Strategic decision-making on when to attack and defend.
5. Mental Fortitude: Increased resilience and composure under pressure.

What the Future Holds: Continued Growth

With her recent successes and the continued support of her coaching team, Coco Gauff is well-positioned for future growth. Her dedication to refining her game, combined with her mental toughness, makes her a formidable competitor on the world stage.

As she continues to develop and evolve, Gauff is poised to achieve even greater heights in her career. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, strategic coaching, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Coco Gauff: A Rising Star

Coco Gauff’s journey in the world of tennis is a story of talent, determination, and strategic guidance. With a dedicated coaching team and a commitment to continuous improvement, she is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. As she continues to refine her game and embrace new challenges, the future looks bright for this young American star.

Achievements and Accolades

• 2023 US Open Champion (Singles)
• 2024 WTA Finals Champion (Singles)
• 2024 French Open Champion (Doubles)
• 2025 French Open Champion (Singles)
• United Cup Champion (2025)
• Career-high ranking of World No. 2 in singles
• Career-high ranking of World No. 1 in doubles

Coco Gauff’s story is a reminder that success is not just about natural talent, but also about the dedication, perseverance, and strategic guidance that shape a champion. With her sights set on continued growth and achievement, Coco Gauff is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of tennis.