A dominant serve can be a game-changer in tennis, capable of setting the tone of the match and putting pressure on opponents. American tennis player Coco Gauff has been working on improving her serve recently, especially during the clay swing of the season. Despite accumulating 35 double faults in just three matches at the Italian Open, Gauff remains optimistic about the changes she is making to her serve technique.
Throughout the clay swing, Gauff has been facing challenges with her serve, averaging nearly 10 double faults in the five matches leading up to the Italian Open. In a grueling match against Paula Badosa, Gauff recorded 11 more double faults. However, despite the rocky start, she managed to push through and secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory. Gauff acknowledges that she needs to find a balance between going big on her first serve and ensuring she gets them in play.
Reflecting on her performance, Gauff mentioned that she is starting to see improvements in her serve, which bodes well for the upcoming French Open. The young tennis star, who finished as the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2022, is determined to continue to push herself to go for big serves while also remaining mindful of not sacrificing accuracy for power. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in her game and not losing the strength of her serve by holding back.
Taking cues from world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who overcame serve struggles with the help of a biomechanics trainer, Gauff is working alongside her coaches Brad Gilbert and Jean-Christophe Faurel to make necessary technical adjustments. Sabalenka’s transformation from struggling with her serve to using it as a formidable weapon on the court serves as an inspiring example for Gauff. The 20-year-old is aware that implementing changes during the season and tournaments presents its challenges, but she remains committed to the process.
As Gauff continues her journey to unlock the full potential of her serve, she recognizes the importance of patience and perseverance. Through dedication and hard work, she aims to refine her technique and elevate her performance on the court. Gauff’s willingness to learn from her experiences and make adjustments demonstrates her maturity and commitment to excellence in tennis. With the French Open approaching, all eyes will be on Gauff as she strives to showcase her improved serve and make a significant impact on the grand slam stage.
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