Coco Gauff has emerged as a dominant force on the WTA Tour, and her latest improvements on the court have positioned her as a leading contender for the Australian Open 2025. According to a retired WTA professional, Gauff’s recent technical upgrades have transformed her game, making her a formidable opponent and a serious threat to the competition.
The 19-year-old American has enjoyed a meteoric rise in women’s tennis, with her natural athleticism, speed, and mental toughness setting her apart from her peers. However, in recent years, some critics have pointed to technical inconsistencies in her game, particularly on her forehand side, as a potential barrier to reaching her full potential. This season, Gauff and her team have worked diligently to address these weaknesses, leading to remarkable progress.
One of the most noticeable improvements in Gauff’s game has been her forehand. Historically seen as a vulnerable shot under pressure, Gauff’s forehand has undergone a complete transformation. She has refined her grip, improved her swing mechanics, and added more topspin and depth to her shots. These adjustments have not only increased her consistency but have also made her forehand a weapon capable of dictating play. By adding more spin and varying the pace of her forehand, Gauff can now transition seamlessly from defense to offense, a skill crucial for success on hard courts like those in Melbourne.
Another key area of improvement has been her serve. Gauff has always had a strong first serve, capable of reaching speeds above 115 mph, but her second serve was often a liability, allowing opponents to attack her with aggressive returns. This season, Gauff has worked to enhance her second serve, incorporating better placement and more spin to reduce double faults and limit opportunities for her opponents. The retired WTA pro emphasized that Gauff’s ability to hold serve consistently could be a decisive factor in her Australian Open campaign.
Gauff’s net play has also seen significant development. Recognizing the importance of finishing points at the net, she has focused on improving her volleying technique and court positioning. These enhancements allow her to capitalize on short balls and effectively close out points, adding a new dimension to her game. Her willingness to come to the net more frequently has not only diversified her playing style but also made her less predictable to opponents.
The mental aspect of Gauff’s game has always been one of her greatest strengths. Despite her young age, she has demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure and an ability to learn from setbacks. Her victory at the US Open earlier this year was a testament to her mental fortitude and her ability to perform at her best on the biggest stages. That triumph has undoubtedly bolstered her confidence heading into the new season, where she aims to capture her second Grand Slam title.
Gauff’s fitness and athleticism remain unparalleled on the tour. Her speed and agility allow her to cover the court effortlessly, retrieving seemingly impossible shots and turning defense into offense. Coupled with her improved shot selection and strategic awareness, Gauff is now able to construct points more effectively, exploiting her opponents’ weaknesses while minimizing her own errors.
The Australian Open has historically been a tournament that rewards players with aggressive baseline play and exceptional fitness, both of which are hallmarks of Gauff’s game. The hard courts in Melbourne also suit her style, providing a balance between speed and bounce that complements her powerful groundstrokes and quick footwork. With the technical upgrades she has made this season, Gauff is well-equipped to excel on this surface.
The retired WTA pro, who has closely followed Gauff’s career, believes that her technical advancements, combined with her natural abilities, make her one of the favorites to lift the trophy in Melbourne. “Coco has always had the talent and the drive, but now she has the technical tools to back it up,” the former player remarked. “She’s playing with more confidence and precision than ever before. If she continues this trajectory, she’ll be a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Open.”
While Gauff faces stiff competition from established stars like Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, as well as emerging talents like Qinwen Zheng and Linda Nosková, her recent form suggests she is ready to take on the best. Her US Open win proved she can beat top-tier players under high-pressure conditions, and her experience on the tour has prepared her for the challenges ahead.
As the 2025 season approaches, Gauff’s fans are eager to see how she will perform in the year’s first Grand Slam. Her dedication to improving her game, coupled with her natural talent and competitive spirit, has made her a favorite among tennis enthusiasts and analysts alike. If she can maintain her momentum and execute her game plan effectively, there is no doubt that Gauff has what it takes to win the Australian Open and solidify her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis.
With her technical upgrades, mental resilience, and unwavering determination, Coco Gauff is poised to make a deep run in Melbourne. Her journey to the top continues to inspire fans around the world, and the Australian Open 2025 could very well be the stage where she achieves her next historic milestone.