As the tennis world converges on the Lindner Family Tennis Center for the 2025 Cincinnati Open, all eyes are on Coco Gauff, the World No. 2 and a hometown favorite who claimed the title here in 2023. But it’s not just her powerful forehand or relentless court coverage grabbing attention this week. Gauff’s unorthodox training methods have sparked buzz, captivating fans and players alike with a playful yet purposeful approach to preparation. A recent video shared by the Cincinnati Open’s official Instagram account, captioned “Interesting training techniques @cocogauff 🤭,” has set social media abuzz, showcasing Gauff and her team engaging in quirky, team-bonding exercises that defy traditional tennis drills.
The footage reveals a compilation of lighthearted yet intense practice moments. In one clip, Gauff is seen crouching and speed-walking across the court while her team pelts her with tennis balls, testing her agility and reflexes in a game-like scenario. Another segment shows her team lined up at the net, rolling balls toward the baseline in what appears to be a playful challenge to see who can get closest without crossing the line. The purpose of these drills? As the video’s text proudly declares, “Coco Gauff Team Bonding.” While the exact agenda remains unclear, the drills seem designed to sharpen Gauff’s quick thinking and movement while fostering camaraderie with her coaching staff, led by Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel.
Gauff’s approach comes at a pivotal moment. Fresh off a mixed performance at the Canadian Open—where she suffered a Round of 16 loss to rising star Victoria Mboko but clinched a doubles title alongside McCartney Kessler—she’s under pressure to fine-tune her game before the US Open. Her serve, in particular, has been a point of concern, with a staggering 42 double faults across three matches in Montreal, including 23 in a single match against Danielle Collins. Former pro Rennae Stubbs, a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, recently weighed in on Gauff’s serving struggles, noting, “Nothing has changed on her serve…like the ball toss is so far ahead of her on the second serve.” Stubbs suggested technical tweaks, using a “clock” analogy to explain that Gauff’s contact point at “1 p.m.” should shift to “7 p.m.” for a more effective kick serve. Despite these critiques, Gauff’s innovative training suggests she’s tackling her weaknesses with creativity and resilience.
This isn’t the first time Gauff’s preparation has raised eyebrows. Her journey from a 15-year-old Wimbledon sensation to a two-time Grand Slam champion—winning the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open—has been marked by bold choices. Last year, she revamped her coaching team after a challenging season, a move that paid dividends with a China Open title and a WTA Finals crown. “I spent a lot of nights alone, crying trying to figure it out,” Gauff said after her 2023 Cincinnati triumph, reflecting on her perseverance. Her faith and mental toughness, often shared publicly—she credits her success to “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”—have endeared her to fans and kept her grounded amid soaring expectations.
Gauff’s Cincinnati campaign carries extra weight as she aims to reclaim the title she won at 19, becoming the tournament’s youngest female champion. The expanded 2025 draw presents new challenges, with potential matchups against players like Emiliano Arango or Wang Xinyu in the first round, and a possible rematch with Dayana Yastremska, who stunned her at Wimbledon. Further down the line, clashes with Jelena Ostapenko, Naomi Osaka, or top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek loom large. Yet Gauff remains undaunted, drawing on her versatility honed on clay courts, which she credits for her superior mobility on hard courts. “The time on clay still has a very important effect due to the mobility that is needed,” she recently noted, highlighting how her diverse training translates across surfaces.
Beyond the court, Gauff’s charisma shines. Her fashion-forward approach—debuting a new Miu Miu and New Balance co-branded outfit this week—has made her a style icon, with her commitment to never repeating a tournament outfit this season earning praise. Off the court, she’s a vocal advocate for social justice, inspired by her idol Serena Williams, and a proud supporter of her brother Codey, a rising baseball star at the University of Missouri. Her mother, Candi Gauff, recently celebrated Codey’s achievements, underscoring the family’s tight-knit bond. “The support that I have is amazing,” Gauff said, crediting her parents and brothers for their sacrifices.
As Gauff prepares for Cincinnati, her quirky drills signal a player unafraid to innovate while staying true to her roots. Whether dodging tennis balls or rolling them with precision, she’s blending fun with focus, aiming to turn heads not just with her training but with another deep run in the Queen City. With the US Open on the horizon, Gauff’s unorthodox preparation could be the secret weapon that propels her to further glory.
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