Coco Gauff lost to compatriot Emma Navarro at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, and her opponent revealed after the match how she exploited her weaknesses.
It’s no secret that Gauff’s forehand leaves much to be desired. Despite being among the top players in the world, her forehand is inconsistent and often seen as one of the weakest among the Top 10 on the WTA Tour.
Rising to such a level with a subpar forehand is a testament to her talent, but it has become a recurring issue. Many experts and former players have urged her to improve it, and she expressed her willingness to do so, but progress has been slow.
While her forehand can hold up in most matches, a single misstep with that shot can jeopardize her chances of winning a Grand Slam. This year’s Wimbledon seemed promising for the 20-year-old until Navarro dashed those hopes by targeting Gauff’s forehand.
“I really wanted to attack her forehand. I believe she had the same intention towards me. We engaged in many forehand cross-court duels. It became a game of strategy, waiting to see who would alter the pattern first.”
“I enjoy matches like this where it’s not just about hitting the ball, but also about strategy. It feels like a chess game. It was quite enjoyable for me.”
Another weakness that can impede Gauff is her serve, which she often struggles with. While she possesses the talent, consistency remains elusive due to certain weaknesses that her opponents are keenly aware of.
“I aimed to pressure her serve, making her uncomfortable on her second serve to unsettle her overall serving rhythm.”
“Similarly, on my serve, I targeted her forehand, forcing her to handle numerous forehand returns. During rallies, I stayed close to the baseline to restrict her time on the ball.”
