Rennae Stubbs lavishes praise on ‘unbelievable’ Coco Gauff after she ‘outlasted’ Iga Swiatek to start season on high note
World No. 3 Coco Gauff defeated World No. 2 Iga Swiatek for the third time in her career to help Team USA win the 2025 United Cup.
Follow Us
Coco Gauff, Rennae Stubbs, Iga Swiatek (Images via X, YouTube)
Coco Gauff started the 2025 season on a high note. She won all five of her singles matches without dropping a set at the United Cup, including her clash with Iga Swiatek in the final. Serena Williams‘ former coach Rennae Stubbs said rivals need to be wary of Gauff this season.
Last year, Gauff participated at the ASB Classic to start her season and lifted the title. The 20-year-old, however, had to wait for nine months to win her next title. After failing to defend the US Open, Gauff parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert and hired Matt Daly.
Following this change, Gauff won the China Open and the WTA Finals, where, in the group stage, she secured her second win over Swiatek. The American sure has come a long way since her 2024 US Open exit and Stubbs explained why Gauff was able to overcome five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek for the second time on the trot.
Coco is looking unbelievable. Forehand is not missing. Serving well. Not double faulting up a storm. And her match against Iga, I mean, she outlasted Iga. Her fitness is through the roof. If anyone follows Coco on Instagram, she posted some of her training schedule in the off-season. Look out. It is paying off.
Rennae Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast
Though Gauff stunned the 23-year-old, it was only her third win in 14 matches against the Pole. The first time Gauff beat the World No.2 was in the semifinal of the 2023 Cincinnati Open.
Coco Gauff confident ahead of Australian Open
The win at the 2025 United Cup boosted Coco Gauff‘s confidence before the Australian Open which starts on January 12. In the first major of the season in Melbourne, Gauff will be chasing her first title, for she never progressed to the final.
Obviously, the start of the season gives me a lot of confidence. I feel like when I’m playing confident tennis, I’m playing great tennis. I definitely feel confident going into AO.
Coco Gauff told reporters (H/T: Forbes)
In 2024, she advanced to the semifinal at the Australian Open but lost to current World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka who later defended her title. To prepare for the event, the World No.3 chose to play at the United Cup by skipping the Brisbane International and the ongoing ASB Classic (where she is the defending champion).
Stay Updated!
Gouri Das
(4862 Articles Published)