What Pete Sampras’ Former Coach Said Coco Gauff is Getting Wrong — And Why It’s ‘So Simple’ to Correct
Coco Gauff has taken the tennis world by storm since her breakout as a teenager, captivating fans with her remarkable talent, speed, and composure on the court. Despite her undeniable potential, some tennis experts have pointed out areas of her game that could be improved to take her performance to the next level. Recently, Paul Annacone, the legendary coach who once guided Pete Sampras to multiple Grand Slam titles, shared his thoughts on what Gauff needs to adjust. Annacone’s critique, while direct, comes with an air of optimism—he believes the solution is “so simple” and could dramatically elevate Gauff’s game.
Annacone, who has decades of coaching experience, highlighted Gauff’s forehand as the most pressing issue in her skillset. Speaking on a tennis podcast, he noted that while Gauff’s athleticism and mental toughness are already world-class, her forehand lacks the consistency and reliability required to dominate against the best players in the world. “Coco’s forehand is a glaring weakness that opponents are starting to exploit,” Annacone explained. “But the good news is, it’s not a complex problem to solve. It’s a matter of refining technique and instilling confidence.”
The Forehand Dilemma
Gauff’s forehand has been a topic of discussion among tennis analysts for years. While her backhand is often described as one of the best on the women’s tour—powerful, accurate, and technically flawless—her forehand sometimes falters under pressure. Opponents have taken notice, targeting her forehand side in crucial moments to disrupt her rhythm and force errors.
Annacone elaborated on why this issue persists: “The mechanics of her forehand are not as fluid as they could be. There’s a slight hitch in her swing, which makes it harder for her to generate consistent power and spin. That split-second delay also affects her timing, especially against opponents who hit with pace.”
The coach emphasized that Gauff’s struggles with her forehand are not uncommon among young players. “It’s not unusual for players to have one stroke that lags behind the rest of their game. What’s encouraging is that Coco has all the tools to fix this. She’s young, she’s coachable, and she’s already proven she can adapt and improve.”
A History of Success Through Adaptation
Gauff’s rise in the tennis world has been marked by her ability to learn and grow. At just 19 years old, she already has an impressive resume, including a US Open title and a place in the world’s top 10 rankings. Her work ethic and determination have been praised by coaches and peers alike, making her a favorite among fans and a formidable opponent on the court.
Annacone pointed to Gauff’s recent progress in her serving game as evidence of her ability to tackle weaknesses head-on. “Look at her serve—it used to be inconsistent, but she’s worked on it, and now it’s a weapon. The same can happen with her forehand,” he said.
The Path Forward
Fixing Gauff’s forehand, according to Annacone, requires a combination of technical adjustments and mental conditioning. He suggested that Gauff and her coaching team focus on simplifying her swing mechanics. “Sometimes, players overcomplicate things, trying to add too much spin or power. For Coco, simplifying her forehand could be the key. A shorter, more compact swing would give her better control and allow her to react faster,” he explained.
Annacone also stressed the importance of repetition and muscle memory. “It’s about putting in the hours on the practice court. You want to get to a point where the new technique feels automatic, even under pressure.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Annacone highlighted the role of confidence in overcoming challenges. “Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. If Coco starts to believe in her forehand, she’ll use it more aggressively, and opponents won’t be able to target it as a weakness.”
Learning from Legends
Annacone’s insights carry significant weight, given his track record. As Pete Sampras’ coach, he helped the tennis icon fine-tune his game to win 14 Grand Slam titles. Annacone also worked with Roger Federer during a period of career resurgence, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s most effective coaches.
Reflecting on his experience, Annacone drew parallels between Gauff and the legends he has coached. “Every great player has gone through phases where they had to make adjustments. Sampras had to improve his backhand; Federer worked on his return of serve. Coco is no different. The fact that she’s already this good at 19 is a testament to her potential.”
A Bright Future
For Gauff, the road ahead is filled with opportunities. With her combination of athleticism, intelligence, and an already impressive skill set, she has the foundation to become a dominant force in women’s tennis. Annacone’s critique, far from being a harsh indictment, serves as a blueprint for how Gauff can continue to evolve.
“She has the mindset of a champion,” Annacone concluded. “If she addresses her forehand, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. We’re looking at a future multi-time Grand Slam winner.”
As Gauff prepares for the upcoming season, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how she tackles this challenge. If history is any indicator, Gauff’s determination and willingness to learn could make Annacone’s “simple” solution a game-changing reality.