Coco Gauff is back in top form, reclaiming her spot among tennis’s elite with a recent title win at the China Open and a semifinals finish in Wuhan. This success has propelled her to World No. 3, leapfrogging fellow American Jessica Pegula. Now, Gauff is closing in on World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, setting the stage for a thrilling rivalry. Yet, despite her rise, Gauff’s serve remains a concern, with a record 21 double faults in her match against Sabalenka—a struggle she’s actively working to correct under new coach Matt Daly.
After a rocky season marked by back-to-back losses and an early exit at the Olympics, Gauff shifted her approach, parting ways with former coach Brad Gilbert. Under Daly’s guidance, she’s making adjustments to her serve, but the changes have led to inconsistency. “Working on a new thing,” Gauff explained in Wuhan. “I only had a week to learn it… I’m surprised at how well I was able to do with it.”
Looking ahead, Gauff is setting her sights on the WTA Finals in Abu Dhabi, aiming to end the season on a high note. Her recent achievements have her one step away from surpassing Sabalenka, and while her serve remains a work in progress, Gauff’s determination suggests she may soon overcome this hurdle on her path to the top.
