Coco Gauff’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her breakout as a young talent to her latest triumph as a winner at the prestigious Women’s Tennis Association Finals tournament, Gauff’s story is a reflection of perseverance, development, and strategic refinement.
Gauffs journey to the WTA Finals was impressive and looking at various sportsbooks, she has consistently been a top pick throughout the competition. She was expected to come out victorious in her match against Qinwen Zheng at the Finals. Some of the best online sportsbooks had her as the frontrunner across betting platforms and prediction sites. One predicting model projected Gauff with a 60 % likelihood of winning, while her betting odds were listed as -167, and Zheng was the underdog at +150.
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Overcoming the US Open Setback
The 2023 US Open was a turning point in Gauff’s career as a tennis player. As the reigning champion, she carried the weight of high expectations and suffered a disappointing loss in the fourth round. Far from being disheartened by this setback, Gauff saw it as a chance to develop and improve her skills on the court.
The changes she made following that defeat have translated into improved results in her performance since then. With the guidance of coach Brad Gilbert, Gauff made changes to various aspects of her game. She transitioned from focusing on her existing skills to embracing continuous development. Each change she made since, shaped her into a well-rounded player, ready for long-term success.
Technical Improvements
Serving Up Success
One of the most significant areas of Gauff’s improvement is her strong serve. Known initially for its power but plagued with inconsistency, Gauff’s serve has evolved into a reliable weapon that she can use strategically. Her partnership with Brad Gilbert has produced significant results in several aspects of her serving game:
- Increased first-serve percentage: Gauff’s first-serve percentage reached an impressive 65% during the WTA Finals, a marked improvement from previous performances. This consistency allows her to win more points outright or set up advantageous positions in rallies.
- Variety and precision: By combining powerful flat serves with well-placed slices, Gauff has made her serve less predictable. Opponents now face the added challenge of having to anticipate a greater range of speeds and angles, which has proven effective in disrupting their rhythm.
- Enhanced second serve: Gauff’s second serve has undergone considerable refinement, reducing the frequency of double faults and transforming it into a more effective shot. This improvement allows her to take offensive control even when a first serve isn’t successful, keeping her from conceding easy points.
Forehand Refinement
Gauff’s forehand has long been considered a vulnerable aspect of her game, often targeted by opponents. However, her recent adjustments have addressed this weakness without sacrificing power or control:
- Improved footwork: Gauff’s footwork has enhanced her positioning, allowing her to consistently make clean contact with the ball. Better foot positioning has led to fewer errors and more stability when hitting from the forehand side.
- Shortened backswing: By shortening her backswing, Gauff has minimized timing issues, reducing errors while retaining the ability to generate power.
- Increased topspin: The added topspin on her forehand has given her shots more depth and margin, making it more difficult for opponents to exploit this part of her game. This adaptation adds consistency and resilience to her forehand, turning a former liability into a reliable shot.
Tactical Development
Aggressive Return Game
Gauff’s return game has also seen significant advances, confirming her status as one of the most formidable returners on the tour. Her approach now includes:
- Taking the ball early: Against second serves, Gauff positions herself to take the ball early, often pressuring opponents with aggressive returns.
- Mixing depth and angles: Gauff strategically combines deep returns with shorter, angled shots, disrupting her opponents’ rhythm. This mix of variety keeps her opponents guessing and under constant pressure during service games.
- Exploiting speed: Using her exceptional speed, Gauff can pressure opponents by forcing them into rushed service games. This tactical adjustment has allowed her to dominate in return games, often breaking serves with confidence and ease.
Court Positioning
Gauff’s improved court positioning has allowed her to take control of rallies more effectively, demonstrating a greater understanding of how to use the entire court to her advantage:
- Closer to the baseline: By playing closer to the baseline during rallies, Gauff limits her opponents’ time to react, which disrupts their ability to establish a rhythm. This aggressive positioning has helped her take balls on the rise, gaining valuable fractions of a second over her opponents.
- Anticipation and positioning: Her refined anticipation skills have enhanced her ability to step in and handle high-pressure situations with composure. She now often steps into the court to take advantage of mid-court opportunities, allowing her to finish points more effectively.
- Increased net play: While traditionally a baseline player, Gauff has strategically incorporated forays to the net. This change in tactics has made her game more dynamic and unpredictable, allowing her to apply pressure from multiple areas of the court.
The Results Speak Volumes
The fruits of Gauff’s evolution are evident in her recent achievements, making her one of the most exciting young players in tennis today:
- First WTA 1000 Title: Winning the Cincinnati Open, her first WTA 1000 title, was a significant milestone.
- Grand Slam Champion: Capturing her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 US Open was a historic achievement that cemented her place among the elite.
- Consistent Semifinalist: Reaching six consecutive semifinals, including two majors and the WTA Finals, highlights her newfound consistency.
- Career-High Ranking: Achieving a career-high ranking of World No. 3, Gauff continues to break barriers and inspire fans around the world.
