Andy Roddick is optimistic about Coco Gauff’s current trajectory, believing the talented 20-year-old has made significant strides over the past year. Roddick, a former world No. 1 and US Open champion, expressed confidence that Gauff will eventually overcome her recent serving struggles, which have sparked widespread discussion in tennis circles.
In recent months, Gauff’s serving issues have drawn considerable attention, particularly following her stunning performance at the Wuhan Open. During a semifinal match against Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff recorded an astonishing 21 double faults—a personal record that also marked the highest number of double faults recorded by any player on the WTA Tour in 2024. This alarming statistic has led to increased scrutiny and concern regarding her ability to maintain her ranking and compete effectively against the best players in the world.
Reflecting on Gauff’s journey, Roddick stated, “I think the rest of her game has become so much better than it was even a year ago. I have full faith that she will self-correct this at some point. She is committed to improving and is an incredibly hard worker.” Roddick’s remarks highlight not only his belief in Gauff’s talent but also her determination to address her serving woes.
After her disappointing performance in Wuhan, Gauff made a significant coaching change by parting ways with Brad Gilbert and bringing on Matt Daly. This decision indicates her commitment to refining her game and addressing the specific areas that have hindered her performance. Following the match against Sabalenka, Gauff acknowledged that she is in the process of making adjustments to her serve and expects to encounter some challenges along the way. “There will probably be some growing pains,” she admitted, recognizing that improvement in such a critical area of her game will take time.
Roddick is keen to remind fans and critics alike that Gauff’s serving issues are not insurmountable. He urged people not to panic about her situation, stating, “It’s not going to get better overnight; it’s not flipping a switch. All these things that we constantly harp on, while they may be fair critiques, we need to take a step back and appreciate where she is. She’s back up to No. 3 in the world and she’s only 20 years old. That’s pretty impressive!”
The mental resilience Gauff has demonstrated in facing criticism while striving to maintain her momentum is something Roddick finds admirable. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the challenges young athletes face in high-stakes environments and noted that the pressures of performing at the top level can often lead to difficulties, particularly when technical adjustments are required.
As Gauff prepares for the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh, set to commence on November 2nd, she will undoubtedly aim to showcase her skills against some of the best players in women’s tennis. With the tournament featuring an elite lineup, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula, the stakes will be high for Gauff. This event will provide her with an opportunity not only to test her new strategies but also to regain confidence as she approaches the final stretch of the season.
Moreover, the WTA Finals present a unique challenge for Gauff. Competing against top-ranked players in a high-pressure environment will require her to rely on her mental fortitude and technical skill. Roddick’s encouragement may serve as motivation for Gauff as she embarks on this next chapter in her career.
In summary, while Gauff’s recent struggles with her serve have raised concerns, Andy Roddick’s positive perspective sheds light on her overall growth as a player. With his unwavering belief in her abilities, Gauff is poised to tackle the upcoming challenges head-on, demonstrating the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of her young career. As she heads into the WTA Finals, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how she implements the changes she has been working on and how she performs against the best in the sport.