The tennis world is buzzing with excitement as Coco Gauff’s stellar performance in 2024 has proven all the critics wrong. After enduring a difficult period of inconsistency, including issues with her forehand, serve, and double faults, the American teenager has turned things around in remarkable fashion. Gauff’s resurgence, particularly during the Asian swing of the season, has left fans and experts alike in awe of her skill and mental toughness. A key factor in her transformation has been her new partnership with coach Matt Daly, whose influence has helped elevate Gauff’s game to new heights.
Gauff’s 2024 season had been a rollercoaster ride until she hit her stride in the latter part of the year. After a disappointing exit from the US Open, where she failed to defend her title and was knocked out by Emma Navarro in the Round of 16, many wondered whether Gauff could bounce back. At the US Open, her struggles with double faults and a misfiring forehand were evident, and fans feared that the young star might be unable to overcome her technical issues. However, she swiftly proved her doubters wrong during the 2024 China Open and Wuhan Open, where she exhibited extraordinary resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Gauff’s performance at these tournaments was nothing short of stunning. She clinched the China Open title and reached the semifinals at the Wuhan Open, with dominant victories over top players like Jessica Pegula and Iga Świątek in the Group Stage of the 2024 WTA Tour Finals. This sudden resurgence was not only a testament to Gauff’s talent but also to the effectiveness of her new coach, Matt Daly, who started working with the American in September.
Former ATP number one Andy Roddick, a respected voice in the tennis community, weighed in on Gauff’s transformation, acknowledging the significant improvements in her game. Roddick had an interesting take on Gauff’s post-US Open resurgence, saying that she had “needed to get through that tournament and that title defense” to finally break free of the mental and technical blocks that had been holding her back. He pointed to a noticeable improvement in her serve, which had been a major weakness for Gauff in the past.
In a recent episode of his podcast *Served*, Roddick shared his thoughts on Gauff’s serve, which had plagued her throughout the season. “Her serve looks way better now,” he said. “I know she double-faulted a bit in Wuhan, but her grip has improved. If I can spot it on my iPhone, you know it’s clear. She’s opening it up more and it’s more straight-on, which means fewer of those erratic double faults that were so common before. The variance in misses is way less.” Roddick attributed this improvement to the work Gauff has done with Daly, crediting him for making a positive impact on her game. “Credit to Matt Daly, who no one had on their bingo card, but he’s been a great coach for her,” Roddick added.
Indeed, Gauff had faced significant struggles earlier in the season, particularly with her second serve and forehand. In the 2024 French Open, she hit an alarming 19 double faults, and her forehand was often erratic. At the US Open, Gauff’s inability to keep her serve under control ultimately led to her early exit. But since teaming up with Daly, Gauff’s game has been marked by newfound consistency and confidence, especially in her serve. The progress is evident, and it’s clear that her partnership with Daly has played a significant role in her improvement.
### **The Role of Brad Gilbert’s Departure**
One of the most talked-about aspects of Gauff’s journey in 2024 has been her separation from former coach Brad Gilbert. Gilbert, who had worked with Gauff for several years, was known for his technical expertise and strategic approach. However, the split came amid a series of disappointing results, including Gauff’s struggles with her serve and forehand. While Gilbert’s departure raised some eyebrows, it now seems to have been a pivotal moment in Gauff’s career.
Roddick shared his thoughts on this change in mentorship, suggesting that it gave Gauff “a little bit more energy” and a fresh perspective. “There’s something kind of buzzy about it,” he said. Roddick’s comments were echoed after Gauff’s straight-set victory over her former doubles partner Jessica Pegula at the WTA Finals, where Gauff played with renewed focus and determination. “I think that switch from Gilbert has given her a boost,” Roddick added. “She has more energy in her camp, and I think that’s been crucial for her turnaround.”
This newfound energy was also apparent during Gauff’s triumph at the 2024 China Open. After a tough season and a rough patch following the US Open, Gauff had the opportunity to showcase her resilience and adaptability, and she did so in style. She fought through her mental and physical challenges, demonstrating that she could still perform at the highest level. Roddick remarked on this during his podcast, saying, “We’re talking about Coco Gauff. I want to give credit where it’s due because the loss at the US Open, the 11 or 12 double faults in the third set, the questions post-Gilbert, dealing with a lot of things, and yet she created a bit of momentum. She’s showing that, even with her second serve rearing its ugly head again against Sabalenka, she was almost winning that match.”
### **The Road Ahead for Gauff**
Roddick’s comments about Gauff’s potential are not only optimistic but also grounded in reality. Despite the ups and downs of her season, Gauff has shown incredible mental strength. Her ability to bounce back after a difficult US Open and deliver impressive performances at the China and Wuhan Opens speaks volumes about her resolve. With the right guidance from Daly and a continued focus on refining her technical game, Gauff appears poised for even greater success in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the next big test for Gauff will be the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she has already made a strong start by defeating top-ranked opponents in the group stage. Her impressive victories against the likes of Iga Świątek and Jessica Pegula have raised expectations, and many are now wondering if Gauff can maintain this level of play and claim another prestigious title.
For Gauff, the journey is far from over. As she continues to evolve under Daly’s guidance, the sky is the limit. She has the talent, the work ethic, and now, a renewed sense of purpose. Whether or not she can keep up this level of play and claim more titles in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Coco Gauff is back, and she is here to stay.
### **Conclusion**
Coco Gauff’s resurgence in 2024 has been one of the most exciting stories in women’s tennis. After struggling with key technical aspects of her game earlier in the season, her transformation under the guidance of coach Matt Daly has been nothing short of remarkable. With improved consistency, a stronger serve, and a more refined forehand, Gauff is once again a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour. As she continues to develop, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if she can build on this momentum and continue her rise to the top. With Daly’s guidance and Gauff’s relentless determination, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star.