Coco Gauff Makes Coaching Change Ahead of China Open
Ahead of the China Open, rising tennis star Coco Gauff has confirmed a major switch in her coaching team, parting ways with Brad Gilbert after the 2024 US Open and bringing in a new coach, Matt Daly, to join longtime coach Jean-Christophe “JC” Faurel.
New Coaching Team
Gauff, who made headlines with her breakthrough performances in 2023, including winning titles in Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati, as well as capturing her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, decided it was time for a reset and refresh in her game. The 20-year-old ended her 14-month partnership with Gilbert to make way for changes she believes will lead to a better season next year.
Daly, a former coach of ATP former No. 10 Denis Shapovalov and a college tennis alum at Notre Dame University, brings a wealth of experience to Gauff’s coaching team. His expertise and guidance will complement Faurel’s long-standing coaching relationship with Gauff, providing a fresh perspective on the young player’s game.
Challenges in 2024
Despite starting the 2024 season strong with back-to-back Grand Slam semifinals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, Gauff faced challenges with her serve in the spring, leading to early exits from Wimbledon, the Summer Olympic Games, and the US Open. Her struggles came to a head at Flushing Meadows, where she fell in the fourth round to Emma Navarro after hitting 11 double faults in the decisive set.
Recognizing the importance of her serve to her overall game, Gauff is focused on making subtle changes to improve this aspect of her play with the guidance of Daly and Faurel. The young American acknowledges that a strong serve is fundamental to her success on the court.
Looking Ahead
As the No. 4 seed in Beijing, Gauff is gearing up to compete in the China Open. After receiving a first-round bye, she is set to face France’s Clara Burel in her opening match. With a new coaching team in place and a renewed focus on her game, Gauff is optimistic about her prospects moving forward and eager to showcase her skills on the international stage.
For more insights into Gauff’s coaching change and her outlook for the future, read the full WTA Insider interview with the young tennis sensation.
Stay tuned for updates on Gauff’s performance at the China Open as she continues her journey on the professional tennis circuit.
Developing a Stronger Serve
One of the key areas of focus for Coco Gauff as she heads into the China Open with her new coaching team is her serve. The young American player has acknowledged that her serve has been a point of struggle in recent matches, leading to disappointing results in major tournaments. By working closely with her coaches, Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel, Gauff is looking to make adjustments to her serve technique to ensure it becomes a weapon in her arsenal rather than a liability.
Daly, known for his work with top ATP players, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Gauff’s team. His experience in developing players’ serves could prove invaluable in helping Gauff refine her own serve and make it a more reliable and effective part of her game. With Faurel’s guidance and Daly’s fresh perspective, Gauff is optimistic about the improvements she can make in this crucial aspect of her play.
Adapting to Different Playing Conditions
Another challenge that Gauff and her team are looking to tackle is adapting to different playing conditions on the tour. The transition from hard courts to clay courts and grass courts can pose challenges for players, requiring adjustments in playing style and strategy. By working with coaches who understand the nuances of different surfaces, Gauff aims to improve her adaptability and versatility on the court.
As she competes in tournaments around the world, Gauff will face a variety of playing conditions that demand flexibility and tactical awareness. With the support of her coaching team, she is focused on developing a game that can thrive on any surface, giving her a competitive edge against a diverse range of opponents.
Building Mental Resilience
Beyond technical improvements, Gauff is also concentrating on building her mental resilience and maintaining a positive mindset on the court. The mental aspect of tennis is crucial in high-pressure situations, and Gauff has experienced both the highs of victory and the lows of defeat in her young career. By working with her coaches to develop mental toughness and emotional control, Gauff aims to strengthen her mental game and approach each match with confidence and composure.
With a renewed focus on mental resilience, Gauff is preparing to face the challenges that come with being a top-ranked player on the WTA tour. By embracing the mental side of the game and honing her mental skills, she is positioning herself for continued success and growth as a professional tennis player.
Continued Progress and Growth
As Coco Gauff steps onto the court at the China Open with her new coaching team by her side, she is poised to showcase the improvements and adjustments she has been working on in recent months. With a renewed focus on her serve, adaptability to different playing conditions, and mental resilience, Gauff is committed to continued progress and growth in her career.
Stay tuned for updates on Gauff’s performance at the China Open and follow her journey as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of professional tennis. With a talented coaching team supporting her, Gauff is set to make waves in the tennis world and further establish herself as a force to be reckoned with on the court.
