Coco Gauff’s Australian Open: The Forehand That Says Everything About Her Tennis
MELBOURNE, Australia — It happens in every match that Coco Gauff plays. Sometimes, it happens in every game, or seemingly on every point that doesn’t end quickly. The ball comes sailing over the net to her forehand, a little deeper than neutral but not pushing her way behind the baseline. Instinctively, and perhaps unnecessarily, Gauff’s feet begin to backpedal as she pulls her racket back and readies herself for the next shot.
Then, in one quick motion, Gauff throws all her weight onto the ball of her right foot — the back one. Her right shoulder tilts back. And then she tries to slingshot herself forward, that back foot driving it all. Her left arm goes out wide, leading her shoulders and hips, twisting to muster every ounce of power she has behind that ball as her racket whips through, heading on a steep trajectory toward the sky rather than forward and out through the court. The ball loops over the net, sometimes landing deep, sometimes barely in the service box.
She has extended the point, creating another exchange in which she can outlast her opponent, as she does just about better than anyone. Or maybe her opponent will see that defensive forehand, a work of pretty masterful athleticism, for what it really is: A tell that Gauff is on the back foot, literally and figuratively. For one point at least, and often for a few more, she is not playing the way she wants to play, and not because her opponent is forcing her to do so.
The Defining Moment: Gauff's Unusual Forehand
Gauff, the world No. 3 and a two-time Grand Slam champion at 21, wants to be the one moving her opponent around the court, dictating rather than defending. If she is hitting a lot of almost one-legged flamingo forehands off the back foot, then the rest of the match is probably going entail legging out a win, because she is not flowing into the court and taking the ball on the rise. She is not serving well. She is having to scramble backwards and sideways, to catch up with the returns of her second balls.
“It is something I work on now, making it more consistent and better,” Gauff said in her pre-tournament news conference Friday. She’s likely to need it during her Australian Open, which got off to a decent start Monday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan. It was a deceptive scoreline in some ways, as Gauff had seven double faults and 31 unforced errors, but Rakhimova did not have a reliable enough serve to take advantage of the times she had Gauff literally on her back foot.
Olga Danilović of Serbia, her next opponent, does. So do all the players with single-digit rankings who Gauff will face if she can make it to the second week. Two months before her 22nd birthday, Gauff has once again a Grand Slam as one of her sport’s greatest threats and one of its greatest mysteries all at once. In any given tournament, and in any given match, she can be mesmerizing or mystifying, from one set to the next.
From Phenom to Star: Gauff's Journey
Elite tennis is hard, and Gauff is young. She may be far removed from the 15-year-old phenom who burst into the tennis consciousness by knocking Venus Williams out of Wimbledon in 2019, having since become arguably the sport’s biggest star, but she also has to live under a microscope that few others ever experience. Her moves, her style choices and her words get picked apart like no one else’s.
She inadvertently caused a social media firestorm two weeks ago, when she accurately observed that American tennis fans who live in tournament cities around the world don’t show up with the same fervor as fans from most other countries, which can make matches more difficult. People jumped on her for complaining about not getting enough support, so much so that she felt the need to clarify a statement that had been entirely clear.
Tennis-wise, she remains a ways away from the fine-tuning stage of her career. Though she has won two of the last nine Grand Slams, climbed as high as No. 2 in the rankings and become a mainstay of the top 5, she doesn’t have the same level of consistency as some of her peers. She is still figuring out how to harness her power and her mind to become the complete package.
The Mental Game: Pressure and Performance
Gauff’s mental game is just as important as her physical game. The pressure of being a young star in a sport that demands perfection can be overwhelming. She has shown incredible resilience, but there are times when the weight of expectations can affect her performance. Her ability to stay focused and composed under pressure will be crucial as she navigates the challenges of the Australian Open.
Staying Composed
One of Gauff’s strengths is her ability to stay composed during high-pressure moments. She has a calm demeanor that allows her to think clearly and make strategic decisions. This mental toughness is what sets her apart from many of her peers. However, maintaining this composure throughout a long tournament is a challenge that even the best players struggle with.
Adapting to Opponents
Another key aspect of Gauff’s game is her ability to adapt to different opponents. Each player brings a unique style and strategy to the court, and Gauff has to be prepared to adjust her game accordingly. Her versatility and willingness to experiment with different tactics are what make her such a formidable opponent.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Gauff progresses through the Australian Open, she will face a series of challenges. Each opponent will test her skills and mental fortitude in different ways. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and improvement. Every match is a learning experience, and Gauff is eager to take advantage of every opportunity to become a better player.
Upcoming Matches
Her upcoming matches against Olga Danilović and other top-ranked players will be crucial. These matches will require her to be at her best both mentally and physically. Gauff is confident in her abilities and is looking forward to the challenge. She knows that each match is a step closer to achieving her goal of winning another Grand Slam title.
Long-Term Goals
Beyond the Australian Open, Gauff has her sights set on long-term goals. She wants to continue improving her game and solidify her place among the all-time greats. Her dedication and hard work are a testament to her commitment to the sport. Fans and critics alike are eager to see what the future holds for this young star.
Conclusion: The Future of Tennis
Coco Gauff’s journey at the Australian Open is a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability of tennis. Her unique style and unwavering determination make her a fan favorite and a serious contender for any title. As she continues to grow and evolve as a player, the future of tennis looks bright indeed. Whether she wins the Australian Open or not, Gauff’s impact on the sport is undeniable, and her story is far from over.
