Coco Gauff is gearing up for the 2027 tennis season with renewed focus, following advice from former players to leverage her doubles skills in singles matches.
Why it matters: Gauff's performance has drawn both praise and criticism, prompting her to refine her game. The insights from seasoned players could significantly impact her strategy moving forward.
Gauff has been advised by former Wimbledon semifinalist Alexandra Stevenson to approach the net more frequently in her matches.
Stevenson believes Gauff's experience in doubles can become a game-changer for her in the upcoming season.
Chris Evert also encouraged Gauff to utilize her net play more often, highlighting its potential benefits.
Driving the news: Gauff's recent successes include winning the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open, alongside reaching the semifinals in the other two Grand Slam tournaments. This track record showcases her talent and potential to improve even more.
During the 2026 Wimbledon, Gauff won 104 of 145 net points, achieving a remarkable 71.7% success rate.
She reached the semifinals at Wimbledon but lost to Karolina Muchova in a nail-biting tiebreaker, 12-10.
Gauff's ability to finish points at the net could be a strategic advantage as she heads into the 2027 season.
The big picture: Gauff's development as a player has been closely watched, and her mother's support highlights the hard work behind her success. Candi Gauff has praised her daughter's dedication, emphasizing the rigorous training that goes unnoticed.
Gauff trains for over five hours daily, contrasting sharply with the brief social media clips that depict only a fraction of her effort.
Candi Gauff humorously noted, "Her one day is my two weeks," illustrating the intensity of Coco's training regimen.
This dedication has translated into impressive results on the court, making her one of the standout players in women's tennis.
What they're saying: Gauff herself has acknowledged the importance of improving her net play and other aspects of her game.
“I think just going for my shots a little bit more, trying to be a bit more aggressive,” Gauff said about her goals for the upcoming season.
She aims to increase her first-serve percentage, which currently stands at 62.5%, winning 68.4% of points on those serves.
In her recent matches, Gauff has demonstrated her willingness to adapt, using volleys effectively to secure points.
By the numbers: Gauff's performance metrics reveal her strengths and areas for growth as she prepares for the next season.
In 2026, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, the semifinals at Wimbledon and the US Open, and won the Cincinnati Open.
Gauff's first-serve success rate of 62.5% reflects her potential for improvement, especially with a focus on net play.
Her ability to win 70.6% of points in service games indicates a solid foundation as she looks to refine her game.
What's next: Gauff will compete next at the China Open, a tournament where she has previously excelled.
She won the China Open title in 2024 and reached the semifinals in both 2023 and 2025.
As she approaches this event, Gauff is determined to implement the advice she's received and continue her growth as a player.
The upcoming matches will serve as a platform for her to test the adjustments she plans to make ahead of the 2027 season.
Coco Gauff's commitment to enhancing her game, coupled with the guidance from tennis veterans, positions her well for future success. As she embarks on her next tournament, fans will follow closely closely to see how these changes impact her performance.