Coco Gauff’s journey in tennis has been one of immense promise, steeped in expectations and the weight of a young career that started with such incredible promise. She first rose to prominence as a 15-year-old prodigy at Wimbledon in 2019, where she made headlines by defeating Venus Williams in her Grand Slam debut, setting the stage for what many believed would be a meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world. Fast forward to 2023, and Gauff finally lived up to those lofty expectations by clinching her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, securing her place among the game’s elite and affirming her status as a future tennis legend.
Her victory at Flushing Meadows was more than just a breakthrough—it was a statement that Coco Gauff, now 19 years old, was ready to challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes. However, as the calendar turned to 2024, the pressure mounted. The question on everyone’s mind was whether she could follow up her US Open success and continue to deliver on the promise that had been built since her arrival on the global stage. What transpired in the early part of the year was a season of highs and lows, showcasing both Gauff’s resilience and the challenges she faces as she continues to evolve into one of the sport’s most talented players.
A Mixed Start to 2024: Close But Not Close Enough
The 2024 season began with a sense of anticipation and excitement for Gauff. Fresh off her Grand Slam triumph, the American was widely expected to maintain her upward trajectory. The first major test of the year came at the Australian Open, where Gauff’s run was cut short in the semifinals by Aryna Sabalenka, who would go on to win the title. It was a valiant effort from Gauff, but ultimately, Sabalenka’s power proved too much. It wasn’t the result she had hoped for, but it was a solid start to the season nonetheless.
However, Gauff’s performance at the French Open offered a glimpse into the struggle that would follow. She made it to the semifinals in Paris, but once again, it was Iga Świątek, her frequent rival, who stood in her way. The Pole’s dominance on clay continued, and Gauff was left to regroup after falling short in a match that seemed to be a mirror image of her past encounters with Świątek. While Gauff’s results were still strong by most standards, they were a reminder that reaching the pinnacle of the sport requires consistent breakthroughs—and, at times, overcoming the mental and physical hurdles that can arise from high expectations.
Challenges and Setbacks: The Sophomore Slump?
By the time Gauff arrived at Wimbledon, it was clear that something was off. Her form, which had been steady in the early months of 2024, had started to waver. The fourth round exit at Wimbledon, at the hands of Emma Navarro, was a bitter disappointment. It felt like Gauff’s quest to maintain momentum had hit a wall. The U.S. Open, where she had triumphed the previous year, would be no different. Once again, Gauff found herself eliminated in the fourth round, this time at the hands of fellow American Emma Navarro.
The summer of 2024 was filled with underwhelming performances. Gauff had failed to defend her title at the Cincinnati Open, a WTA 1000 event, and her results throughout the summer were a far cry from the consistent dominance that many had come to expect from her after the US Open win. It was a period that left many questioning whether Gauff was experiencing the dreaded sophomore slump, a phase where players often struggle to match the breakout success they initially enjoy.
A Fresh Start: Changing Coaches and Finding Her Rhythm
Recognizing the need for a change, Gauff made the bold decision to part ways with her coach Brad Gilbert, the mentor who had guided her to her US Open title the previous year. It was a difficult decision, one that came at a pivotal point in her career, but Gauff knew she needed a new perspective to push her forward. In came Matt Daly, a fresh face on the coaching circuit, and their first tournament together was a triumph. At the China Open, Gauff reclaimed her form and secured her second WTA 1000 title, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of her turnaround.
Gauff’s revitalization continued at the Wuhan Open, where she fought hard but ultimately fell to Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals in a match that once again showcased her resilience and determination. She may have lost, but the fight she exhibited was a sign of things to come. Heading into the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Gauff entered with newfound confidence and a recharged mindset. She stunned the tennis world by securing her second win over Świątek in their 13-match rivalry, a triumph that sent a clear message that she was a force to be reckoned with.
The WTA Finals: A Stunning Turnaround
The real story of Gauff’s 2024 resurgence, however, came at the WTA Finals, where she produced one of the most impressive performances of her career. After defeating Świątek in the group stage, Gauff advanced to the semifinals, where she squared off against Aryna Sabalenka, the player who had thwarted her in the Australian Open semifinals. This time, Gauff was ready. In a thrilling contest, Gauff managed to overcome Sabalenka, securing a long-awaited win against her rival and a place in the final.
In the final, Gauff faced Zheng Qinwen, and once again, she showcased her fighting spirit. After dropping the first set, Gauff mounted a stunning comeback, rallying from behind to win the match and claim her first-ever WTA Finals title. It was a fitting end to what had initially looked like a season in which Gauff would struggle to replicate her previous success. Instead, she wrapped up the year with a major title, proving that she was far from a one-hit wonder.
The French Open: Gauff’s Best Shot at Another Major
Looking ahead to 2025, Coco Gauff’s chances of adding another Grand Slam title to her resume seem brighter than ever. While her success on hard courts—culminating in her US Open win—has been impressive, the French Open appears to be her best bet for capturing another Major. Gauff has proven herself to be a formidable player on clay, with an 80% win rate at Roland Garros, the highest of her career at any Grand Slam venue.
Her performance at the French Open has been consistent, with Gauff reaching at least the quarterfinals in every year since 2021. Her runner-up finish in 2022 was a major milestone, and in 2023, she reached the semifinals before falling to Świątek once again. While Świątek has been the dominant force in Paris, Gauff’s resilience and growth suggest that she could finally dethrone her rival in 2024. If she can continue to improve her game and maintain the form she showed at the WTA Finals, there’s no reason why Gauff can’t capture her second Major in Paris.
Looking to the Future: Gauff’s Road to a Second Major
Coco Gauff’s remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks in 2024 speaks volumes about her character, work ethic, and mental fortitude. While her career is still in its early stages, her desire to improve and learn from her experiences suggests that her journey will only continue to rise. Her win at the WTA Finals was proof that Gauff is more than capable of handling the pressure of big moments, and if she can translate that mentality to the Grand Slam stage in 2025, the sky is the limit.
At just 20 years old, Gauff’s potential remains immense, and with time on her side, the tennis world will be watching closely as she aims to add to her growing legacy. Whether at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, or the US Open, Coco Gauff’s time to shine again could be just around the corner.