American tennis sensation Coco Gauff is gearing up for a promising 2024 season following her successful defense of the Auckland Open title last weekend. The 19-year-old, who claimed her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in September, opted for rigorous practice sessions in Florida over a traditional vacation, a decision that proved fruitful as she clinched her seventh singles trophy in New Zealand.
Despite a challenging final against seasoned competitor Elina Svitolina, Gauff showcased her resilience, rallying from a set down to secure victory and retain her Auckland crown. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff expressed satisfaction, stating, “I don’t know if I was expecting this result, but I’m really happy with how I managed to play today.”
Gauff’s strategic decision to work on her game during the off-season paid off, with her serve steadily improving since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2019. Her forehand, once considered a vulnerability, has transformed into a potent weapon, contributing to her more aggressive style of play. Coach Brad Gilbert highlighted the importance of finding a balance between offense and defense, drawing parallels with tennis great Novak Djokovic.
“It’s the balance of both (offense and defense). Obviously, you want to win with more offense; it’s not as taxing,” remarked Gilbert, who has previously coached tennis legends such as Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray. He emphasized the ongoing effort to enhance Gauff’s game, aiming for continuous improvement.
As Gauff approaches her 20th birthday in March, she sets her sights on the upcoming Australian Open, aiming to surpass her fourth-round performance from the previous year. Gilbert underlined Gauff’s unwavering competitiveness and relentless drive to achieve greater heights. “She sets a high standard, and she’s driven to get better,” he stated. “She’s never satisfied. She wants to achieve things – that’s all she’s thinking about.”
With her championship form evident in Auckland, Gauff enters the Australian Open with confidence, ready to face a formidable field and build on her impressive tennis journey.
