As the clay courts of Roland Garros prepare to host the 2025 French Open, Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion, finds herself at a critical juncture. The 21-year-old American has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but persistent serving struggles have cast a shadow over her preparations for the year’s second Grand Slam. With the tournament just weeks away, Gauff’s journey to rediscover her rhythm on serve has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike, raising questions about her prospects on the demanding Parisian clay.
Gauff’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. She kicked off the year with a 13-match winning streak, highlighted by a victory over Iga Swiatek at the United Cup and a semifinal run at the Australian Open. Her powerful groundstrokes and relentless athleticism propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2024, and she claimed her first Grand Slam doubles title at Roland Garros alongside Katerina Siniaková. Yet, inconsistency has plagued her singles campaign, particularly on serve. “It wasn’t great today,” Gauff admitted after a disappointing loss at the Miami Open, where she committed 12 double faults and landed just half of her first serves against Magda Linette. The 6-4, 6-4 defeat to the unseeded Pole underscored a recurring issue that has hindered her progress.
The Miami Open setback was not an isolated incident. At Indian Wells, Gauff fell to Belinda Bencic in a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 upset, with her serve faltering under pressure. She tallied seven double faults in the first set alone, finishing with 12 overall and 45 unforced errors. Her Australian Open campaign, while promising, ended in the quarterfinals against Paula Badosa, where six double faults and 25 unforced errors contributed to a 7-5, 6-4 loss. Reflecting on the defeat, Gauff showed maturity beyond her years: “It’s one of those things that maybe a couple of years ago I would feel a lot more crushed and like the world is ending-type sadness. But now it’s just disappointing that I could have done a little bit better in some areas.” Her resilience is evident, but the serving woes remain a persistent challenge.
Gauff’s struggles stem from a combination of technical and mental factors. After a series of upsets in 2024, she parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert and brought in grip expert Matt Daly to work alongside Jean-Christophe Faurel. The team introduced a new service motion to enhance her power and consistency, a change that paid dividends at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she clinched the title. However, the transition has been rocky. At the Stuttgart Open, a bright spot in her clay season, Gauff delivered a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Ella Seidel, posting an impressive 86% first-serve rate and winning 78% of those points. Yet, her quarterfinal loss to Jasmine Paolini revealed lingering vulnerabilities, with three double faults and a dip in first-serve accuracy. “I was just trying to manage that,” Gauff said of her efforts to stabilize her serve against Paolini’s aggressive returns.
The clay surface, with its slower pace and higher bounce, could offer Gauff a chance to mitigate her serving issues. Clay courts allow for more time to set up shots, potentially easing the pressure on her second serve, which has been a target for opponents. Her 2024 French Open semifinal run, where she showcased improved movement and defensive skills, suggests she can thrive on the surface. However, the physical and mental demands of Roland Garros, where matches often extend into grueling rallies, will test her ability to maintain consistency. “I’m super proud of the level I gave,” Gauff said after her Stuttgart performance, signaling her determination to build momentum.
Off the court, Gauff has taken bold steps to shape her future. In April 2025, she launched Coco Gauff Enterprises, parting ways with Team8 to take greater control of her career, business ventures, and philanthropy. “From the moment I first picked up a tennis racket, I’ve always believed my purpose extended far beyond the court,” she wrote on social media. Supported by WME Sports, the move reflects her ambition to grow as an athlete and changemaker, even as she navigates on-court challenges.
As the French Open approaches, Gauff faces a pivotal moment. Her talent and tenacity are undeniable, but mastering her serve will be crucial to contending for the title. With a favorable head-to-head record against potential rivals like Aryna Sabalenka and a history of performing under pressure, she remains a formidable threat. Whether she can tame her serving demons on the red dirt of Paris will define her 2025 campaign, but one thing is certain: Coco Gauff’s journey is far from over, and the tennis world is watching with bated breath.