dam
Coco Gauff’s Australian Open campaign once again placed her firmly in the spotlight, not only for her undeniable talent but also for the questions it raised about what she must refine to take the next step in her career. After her exit in Melbourne, former coach Brad Gilbert offered a candid assessment of the areas Gauff needs to improve if she wants to consistently dominate at the very top of women’s tennis.
According to Gilbert, the foundation of Gauff’s game remains elite. Her athleticism, court coverage, and competitive mindset are already championship-level assets. However, as opponents continue to study her patterns and expose weaknesses, incremental improvements are no longer enough. Gilbert believes Gauff is now at the stage where specific technical and tactical adjustments will determine whether she becomes a multiple-time Grand Slam champion or remains just outside that tier.
One of the key areas Gilbert highlighted is Gauff’s forehand consistency under pressure. While the shot has improved significantly over the past year, it can still break down in crucial moments against top-tier opponents. Gilbert noted that when rallies extend and the margin for error shrinks, Gauff sometimes becomes too defensive on that wing, allowing opponents to dictate play. Developing a more reliable and aggressive forehand, particularly on big points, could transform her ability to control matches from the baseline.
Serve efficiency was another focal point of Gilbert’s analysis. Although Gauff possesses a powerful serve, inconsistencies—especially on the second serve—continue to surface in high-stakes matches. At the Australian Open, double faults and conservative second serves occasionally shifted momentum away from her. Gilbert stressed that tightening this area is essential, as the modern women’s game increasingly rewards players who can hold serve with authority and apply constant scoreboard pressure.
Beyond technique, Gilbert emphasized tactical maturity. He believes Gauff must become more adaptable during matches, recognizing earlier when Plan A is not working and making quicker adjustments. This includes varying shot selection, using the net more effectively, and disrupting opponents’ rhythm rather than relying solely on speed and defense.
Despite the critiques, Gilbert was quick to underline that Gauff’s trajectory remains extremely positive. At her age, few players possess her résumé, mental toughness, and work ethic. The Australian Open, in his view, should be seen not as a setback but as a valuable data point in her development.
If Gauff can apply these lessons—sharpening her forehand, stabilizing her serve, and elevating her tactical awareness—Gilbert believes the gap between potential and dominance will close rapidly. For fans, that means the next phase of Coco Gauff’s evolution could be the most exciting yet.
Musa
dam
