"Athleticism might not be enough, she needs a weapon" - Gauff advised after Australian Open exit
WTA
Coco Gauff is known for her incredible speed and athleticism, as well as her counter-punching style of play.
Although that brought her a lot of success so far, she may need to adjust her style to be able to win her first major. In the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open, the 18-year-old American lost to heavy-hitting Jelena Ostapenko.
According to former ATP World No. 1 and a player who was also a teenage sensation, Mats Wilander, who spoke on the Eurosport show, Gauff may need to adapt to these players.
"I like it in a way because it shows she cares... but I would be more concerned with her tennis than her emotional state, she needs to come up with a weapon against these girls that she can absolutely smack the ball. Her athleticism might not be enough and her forehand might have to be shortened down a little bit."
Former World No. 4 Tim Henman, who was part of the broadcast as well, agreed with the Swede but also emphasized that Gauff is still very young and that she has a lot of room for improvement but also a lot of time to improve.
Even if she doesn't win a Grand Slam this season, she can still win one as a teenager next year, which is something that not many players had a chance to do.
"There are definitely areas she can improve on, but I see that as a positive. Wow, you’re this good and you’re only 18, and you’ve still got so many areas to improve on."
"She’s been in a Slam final now, for sure she wins Slams in the future and yeah it’s hard to watch, you feel sorry for her, but it shows how much she cares and she’s going to want to get better in the future."
