Decoding Coco Gauff Style of Play: Forehand Speed, Serve and Backhand
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Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff has taken the tennis world by storm ever since her 2019 Wimbledon breakthrough when she became the youngest ever to reach the main draw at the age of 15 years and 3 months.
She gained more attention after defeating former champion and former World No. 1 Venus Williams in straight sets and made it till the 4th round at the Grand Slam. Her victory over Venus got so much attention that her 3rd round match was scheduled on the Centre Court at the SW-19.
While she is certainly one of the biggest prospects on the WTA tour, let’s look at what makes the 17-year old American such an exciting prospect.
Coco Gauff’s Style of Play
Coco Gauff is often called the ‘natural athlete’ as both of her parents were athletes and inculcated sports into young Coco who after playing a variety of sports decided upon tennis as it was an individual sport and she could remain in control of her game.
She is a right-handed aggressive player who mixes her shots very well. Apart from her shot-making, she is praised for her mental toughness and presence of mind having rescued her matches from almost defeat with her ‘never-say-die’ attitude. She is good at lob-shots and also within control when employing top-spin to her shots during rallies.
She is an all-round player and can adjust on all surfaces using the variety of shots she has in her arsenal. She is highly competitive and hard working as well and using her athleticism, she goes for the kill in her matches.
Coco Gauff Forehand Speed, Backhand and Serve
Gauff has a powerful serve which is often recorded between the range of 160-180km/hr on an average. It is one of the biggest weapons for the teenager and can bank on it in any situation to bail herself out. She is yet to breach the 200km/hr mark but it’s not far away for the American who has been going from strengths to strengths.
Probably her best shot technically is her 2-handed backhand. She often hits the backhand cross-court which is flat, precise and consistent on either wings and rockets past the opponents with great speed which she generates from hitting the ball from the middle of the racquet head. She also slices well on the backhand adding another dimension to her game.
Coco’s forehand is not as consistent as her backhand and serve, but it is still powerful. Technique-wise, she is often critiqued to improve on her forehand which leads to unnecessary unforced errors which can come costly in difficult matches for her.
Also Read: Coco Gauff reveals becoming World No.1 is not her goal, says she doesn’t keep track of Rankings
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)