Coco Gauff, currently ranked world No. 3, has been facing challenges with her serve at the Italian Open. In three matches, she has accumulated a total of 35 double faults, averaging almost 10 double faults per match on the slower clay surface. Despite these struggles, Gauff remains optimistic about the technical changes she is implementing and believes that with time, she will be able to see improvements.
In her recent match against Paula Badosa, Gauff sent down an additional 11 double faults. However, the 20-year-old remains focused on finding the right balance in her serve. Gauff mentioned that she is going big on her first serve, acknowledging that this approach may lead to more faults. She emphasized the importance of finding a balance between going big for a powerful serve and ensuring that the serve lands in the court. Gauff expressed confidence in her abilities and stated that she is committed to working on her serve for long-term success, even if it means facing challenges in the short term.
Drawing inspiration from world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka’s transformation of her serve into a weapon, Gauff is actively seeking to make technical tweaks to her own serve. Sabalenka’s collaboration with a biomechanics trainer proved to be a game-changer, leading to her success in winning multiple Grand Slam titles. Gauff, under the guidance of her coaches Brad Gilbert and Jean-Christophe Faurel, is determined to follow a similar path of improvement. She recognizes the difficulty of making technical changes during the season and tournament play but remains hopeful that the adjustments she is making will yield positive results.
Despite her current struggles, Gauff remains focused on her long-term goals and aspirations. As she prepares for the upcoming French Open, starting on May 26, Gauff is committed to working on her serve and honing her skills to become an even more formidable opponent on the court. She values the importance of growth and recognizes that overcoming challenges with her serve is a crucial part of her development as a player. With dedication and perseverance, Coco Gauff is determined to overcome her current obstacles and emerge stronger than ever in her pursuit of excellence in tennis.
Leave a Reply