As Coco Gauff continues her impressive rise in women’s tennis, experts believe that fine-tuning just one specific shot could elevate her from a consistent top contender to a dominant Grand Slam champion. Despite her remarkable athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, and unmatched defensive abilities, Gauff’s forehand has been highlighted as the one area that requires technical refinement to help her “go the extra mile” on the WTA Tour.
Gauff, currently ranked World No. 2, has already made a significant mark in her career with a Grand Slam title and multiple WTA titles. However, tennis analysts and former champions have pointed out that her forehand mechanics—particularly under pressure—can break down at key moments in matches. This flaw has been exploited by top opponents who target that wing, forcing errors and disrupting her rhythm.
The Forehand: Gauff’s Next Big Development
Renowned tennis coach and commentator Rick Macci, who once mentored Venus and Serena Williams, recently weighed in on Gauff’s technical development. “Coco’s forehand has incredible potential, but the current motion sometimes lacks fluidity, especially on high-pressure points,” Macci explained. “If she can tweak the preparation and improve her timing, she’ll add a new level of consistency and depth that could make her virtually unbeatable.”
The issue isn’t with Gauff’s power but rather with the footwork and preparation into her forehand swing. Opponents often draw short balls or force rushed footwork, leading to mistimed shots. Despite this, Gauff’s incredible court coverage, mental resilience, and strong backhand allow her to stay in matches and grind out victories.
Gauff Acknowledges the Need for Technical Adjustments
Gauff herself has not shied away from these critiques. She has openly admitted that the forehand is a work in progress and something she and her coaching team are addressing. “It’s a shot I’m constantly working on. I know there’s room to get better,” Gauff said. “Every player has parts of their game that need refining. I’m lucky that I’m still young and have time to keep improving.”
The Path to Dominance
With the US Open fast approaching, making these fine adjustments could be the difference between deep runs and lifting more Grand Slam titles. Gauff’s ability to absorb coaching and adapt quickly is one of her greatest strengths. Tennis analysts believe that once she finds more reliability in her forehand, the rest of her game is already championship-ready.
Her serve, which has been under scrutiny recently, is another area receiving attention. However, many experts believe that solving her forehand inefficiencies will automatically relieve some of the pressure on her serve and overall game flow.
Gauff’s Future Looks Bright
As Gauff continues her Canadian Open campaign, fans and pundits will keep a close eye on her forehand execution in high-pressure rallies. With minor technical tweaks, Gauff has the potential to not just stay at the top but to dominate women’s tennis for years to come.