Coco Gauff’s Serve Under Fire: Serena Williams’ Legendary Coaches Analyze the Flaws Holding Her Back
Coco Gauff, one of the most promising young stars in tennis, continues to be at the center of analysis and critique as she navigates the highs and lows of her burgeoning career. At just 20 years old, Gauff has already achieved remarkable success, including her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023. However, as she seeks to build on her early achievements and solidify her place at the top of women’s tennis, experts have identified one recurring issue in her game: her serve.
Gauff’s serve has often been a double-edged sword, capable of delivering aces but equally prone to inconsistency and errors. Recently, several renowned coaches, including those who have worked with Serena Williams—arguably the greatest server in the history of women’s tennis—have weighed in on what’s holding Gauff back from realizing her full potential. Their insights shed light on the technical and mental adjustments needed for the young star to elevate her game further.
The Importance of the Serve in Modern Tennis
In today’s game, a strong and reliable serve is not just an asset—it is a necessity. The serve often sets the tone for a match, dictating whether a player can dominate rallies or face constant pressure from their opponent. For Gauff, who possesses incredible athleticism and defensive skills, an improved serve could be the key to transitioning from defense to offense more seamlessly.
Legendary coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who mentored Serena Williams during some of her most dominant years, recently analyzed Gauff’s serve during a broadcast. According to Mouratoglou, the technical flaws in her motion are a significant obstacle. “Her toss can be inconsistent, leading to a lack of rhythm,” he explained. “This not only affects her power but also makes it easier for opponents to anticipate where she’s serving.”
Another voice in the discussion is Rick Macci, who coached both Serena and Venus Williams during their formative years. Macci highlighted Gauff’s potential to become a dominant server but emphasized the need for mechanical refinement. “Coco has the tools to have a world-class serve, but right now, there’s a disconnect between her power and precision,” he noted. “The serve starts with the legs, and her footwork could be more synchronized with her upper-body motion.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Statistics from the WTA Tour back up the concerns raised by these experts. During the 2024 season, Gauff’s first-serve percentage hovered around 55%, which, while respectable, is lower than the rates of elite players like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka. Furthermore, her second serve has been a notable vulnerability, with double faults often creeping in during crucial moments.
In high-stakes matches, such as her semi-final loss at the 2024 Australian Open, Gauff’s serve came under particular scrutiny. Against Świątek, she committed six double faults and won only 40% of points on her second serve. These lapses allowed her opponent to dictate play, preventing Gauff from finding her rhythm and showcasing her strengths in baseline rallies.
The Mental Aspect of Serving
Beyond the technical issues, serving in tennis is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical execution. Serena Williams, who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, was famous for her ability to deliver clutch serves under immense pressure. For Gauff, developing a similar level of mental resilience will be crucial.
Rennae Stubbs, a former doubles champion and now a prominent coach and commentator, pointed out the psychological challenges young players face when serving. “Coco is still learning how to handle the mental side of serving, especially in big moments,” Stubbs said. “When you’re standing at the baseline, everyone’s eyes are on you, and it’s easy to let self-doubt creep in.”
Gauff herself has acknowledged the mental aspect of her serving struggles. In post-match interviews, she has been candid about the pressure she feels during matches and her ongoing efforts to build confidence. “It’s something I’m working on every day,” she said. “I know my serve can be better, and I’m committed to putting in the work to improve it.”
Steps Forward: What Can Be Done?
Despite the critiques, Gauff’s serve is far from a lost cause. In fact, many of the flaws identified by experts are fixable with focused training and adjustments. For starters, consistency in her toss could make a world of difference. A more stable toss would allow Gauff to generate greater power and disguise her serve placement more effectively.
Additionally, incorporating more targeted strength and conditioning exercises could help her use her legs more efficiently during the serving motion. This, combined with drills to improve her second serve, could reduce the frequency of double faults and give her more confidence on crucial points.
Hiring a specialized serving coach might also be a game-changer for Gauff. Players like Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova have benefited from bringing in serving experts to fine-tune their technique, and Gauff could follow a similar path. Given her work ethic and willingness to learn, such an investment in her serve could yield significant dividends.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to view these critiques in the context of Gauff’s overall trajectory. At just 20 years old, she has already achieved what many players can only dream of, and her future in the sport remains incredibly bright. The fact that top coaches and analysts are dissecting her serve so closely is a testament to the high expectations surrounding her.
Moreover, Gauff’s ability to adapt and evolve has already been demonstrated in her career. After a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon in 2023, she made sweeping changes to her coaching team, bringing in Brad Gilbert and Pere Riba. The results were immediate, culminating in her US Open victory just months later. If she applies the same determination and openness to feedback to her serve, there’s every reason to believe she can overcome this hurdle.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s serve may be under fire, but the scrutiny is a sign of the immense potential she possesses. With the right guidance and continued hard work, there’s little doubt that Gauff can transform this perceived weakness into a weapon. For now, her journey remains a captivating story, one that fans and experts alike will watch with great anticipation as she strives to reach the pinnacle of women’s tennis.