Following her exit from the Australian Open, Coco Gauff received valuable serving advice from tennis legend Mats Wilander, who also recommended that she seek further guidance from former tennis star Andy Roddick. In a rematch of the 2023 US Open final, Gauff faced off against defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park, but this time Sabalenka emerged victorious with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 win. Gauff’s disappointing service performance during the match drew significant attention, leading to suggestions on how she can improve.
Throughout the match, Gauff struggled with her serve, which proved to be a key factor in her defeat. She committed eight double faults and only managed to land 57% of her first serves, winning 65% of those points. However, her second serve was even more problematic, as she only won 39% of the points when she had to rely on it. Sabalenka took advantage of these weaknesses, putting pressure on Gauff’s service games and dictating the pace of the match.
Prior to the Australian Open, Gauff had worked closely with her coach, Brad Gilbert, and spent time training with Andy Roddick during the off-season. Roddick, known for having one of the most powerful serves in tennis history, provided Gauff with key insights to improve her game. Gauff herself acknowledged the impact of those training sessions, describing them as “the most meaningful two days of practice.”
Reflecting on her off-season training, Gauff shared that she had made adjustments to her ball toss, which helped her achieve a more consistent serve. “I just adjusted the way that I tossed the ball up a little bit, which allowed my toss to be more consistent,” she said. “Then I just felt that the more consistent my serve is, the more I’m okay with going for it in those big moments.”
Despite her improvements, Gauff admitted there was still work to be done, particularly in high-pressure situations. “I still know I can improve on it, but I’m really happy with the progress that I’ve made in the short amount of time,” she said.
However, after her semi-final loss to Sabalenka, Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and prominent commentator, suggested that Gauff return to working with Roddick to refine her serve even further. Speaking on Eurosport, Wilander emphasized the importance of correcting Gauff’s mechanics, particularly with her toss and elbow placement.
“[I’d advise Coco to] spend more time with Andy Roddick to get her serve in shape,” Wilander remarked. He pointed out that while Gauff had improved her first serve, as evidenced by her increased power, her serve percentage—around 50% during the match—was still too low for a top-tier player.
Wilander continued by breaking down some of the technical aspects that Gauff could address. “She needs to get her right elbow up a bit; she seems to fall down a bit too much. Toss straighter up. That’s what Andy Roddick was famous for. That’s going to solve so many problems when she has a consistent second serve.”
He also noted that a more consistent second serve would not only improve Gauff’s overall serve, but would also relieve some of the pressure she faces on her first serve. “It’s going to make her first serve better, and it’ll make her feel like she doesn’t have to go for aces all the time either,” Wilander added.
Tim Henman, a former British No. 1 and current Eurosport analyst, also weighed in on Gauff’s service struggles. He echoed Wilander’s sentiments, pointing out that Gauff’s lack of direction and consistency on her second serve allowed Sabalenka to capitalize with aggressive returns. Henman emphasized that until Gauff fixes her second serve, it will continue to be a weakness that top opponents can exploit.
“I think Gauff served eight double faults, but for me, the lack of direction of second serve from Coco Gauff and Sabalenka was able to return so aggressively,” Henman said. He noted that Gauff often aimed her second serve toward the middle of the service box, which gave Sabalenka ample room to attack. “You feel threatened on your second serve all the time, and your opponent can really dictate. There was a lot of focus on her erratic forehand, but now she needs to look at her second serve.”
Henman concluded by noting that if Gauff addresses the deficiencies in her serve, particularly the second serve, she will become an even more formidable opponent. “If she addresses it, she will be really tough to beat,” he said.
Despite the setback at the Australian Open, Gauff’s future remains incredibly bright. At just 19 years old, she has already established herself as one of the top players in the world, with a US Open title under her belt. However, as her coaches and commentators alike have noted, refining her serve—both first and second—will be crucial for her continued success at the highest level.
With advice from tennis greats like Wilander and potential guidance from Andy Roddick, Gauff has the tools and resources to make the necessary adjustments to her game. If she can harness these improvements, there’s little doubt that she will remain a dominant force on the WTA tour and contend for many more Grand Slam titles in the years to come.