Coco Gauff, ranked third in the world, is widely regarded as an incredibly talented young player in the tennis world. However, her recent struggles have shed light on two major weaknesses in her game: her serve and her forehand. While she worked on improving her serve by hiring technical coach Matt Daly, Gauff’s forehand continues to be a point of concern.
Gauff’s recent loss to McCartney Kessler at the Dubai Tennis Championships highlighted her ongoing struggles with her forehand. This defeat marked her third consecutive loss following her quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open. Kessler’s victory over Gauff was a testament to her rising profile in the United States, as she defeated Gauff in a tightly contested match to advance to the Round of 16.
Analyzing the match, Kessler’s superior performance was evident, as she capitalized on key moments to secure the win. Gauff’s forehand errors played a significant role in the outcome, with the majority of her unforced errors originating from that wing. This trend of forehand inconsistency has been evident in Gauff’s recent matches, painting a concerning picture of her form.
A deeper look into Gauff’s forehand performance in her recent matches reveals a troubling pattern of high error rates compared to winners. While her aggressive style results in more errors than winners, the magnitude of her forehand errors remains a cause for concern. The contrast between her wins at the Australian Open, where she managed a more balanced performance, and her recent losses further underscores the issue with her forehand.
Experts suggest that Gauff’s forehand mechanics, particularly in the stroke’s preparation and execution, require refinement to enhance her consistency and effectiveness. Drawing parallels to players like Serena Williams, who have mastered the forehand shot, Gauff has the potential to elevate her game with strategic adjustments.
Looking ahead, Gauff’s continued focus on improving her forehand could be pivotal in her quest for further success on the Tour. With her track record of accomplishments at a young age, including Grand Slam and WTA Finals titles, Gauff’s determination to address her weaknesses showcases her maturity and commitment to growth. Collaborating with experts like Williams could provide valuable insights to fine-tune her forehand technique and propel her towards greater achievements in the sport.
As the Dubai Tennis Championships progress, Gauff’s recent loss serves as a reminder of the areas she needs to refine to reach her full potential. With her talent and drive, Gauff remains a formidable force in women’s tennis, and her dedication to enhancing her game could lead to even greater accomplishments in the future.