After a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon, Coco Gauff decided to make significant changes to her approach and coaching team. The transformation was evident at her next tournament, the Citi DC Open, where she compared her journey to building a house. Now, Gauff finds herself in the U.S. Open quarterfinals, emerging as the favorite to win the entire tournament in Flushing Meadows.
As Gauff prepares to face Jalena Ostapenko in a match with temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees, she embraces the conditions and her own stellar performance. Since adding Brad Gilbert to her coaching team, Gauff has achieved a remarkable 15-1 record. Gilbert, a renowned coach who has worked with legends like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray, was initially brought in as a consultant but has become an integral part of Gauff’s success.
Gauff’s recent form has made her the frontrunner in the betting odds to win the U.S. Open, and esteemed figures like Chris Evert and Jon McEnroe believe she could be the next American woman to win a Grand Slam. Evert praises Gauff’s improved attitude and confidence, attributes that have been influenced by Gilbert’s expertise. Gauff herself now firmly believes in her ability to win it all.
Recent victories against notable opponents like Caroline Wozniacki and the losses of top-ranked players Iga Swiatek, Jess Pegula, and Ons Jabeur have further boosted Gauff’s confidence heading into the match against Ostapenko. Gauff acknowledges Ostapenko’s strengths as a ball-striker but remains hopeful that she can exploit her opponent’s inconsistencies to secure the victory.
While Gauff’s defensive skills, power, and endurance have all impressed, her mental fortitude and determination have been particularly noteworthy. In two of her four matches, Gauff has rallied from a set down, showcasing her ability to compete and win even when performing below her best. Gilbert attributes this resilience to Gauff’s commitment to being great and learning how to win in challenging circumstances.
In many ways, Gilbert’s “Winning Ugly” philosophy has become ingrained in Gauff’s approach. She has praised his scouting reports and absorbed some of his teachings. Gauff appreciates Gilbert’s youthful energy and playful nature, evident in his habit of always having a Jolly Rancher in his mouth during matches.
Gauff’s success at the U.S. Open has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the sport, particularly for young African-American girls. Inspired by Serena Williams, Gauff now finds herself inspiring the next generation of players like Clervie Ngounoue and Robin Montgomery. The ripple effect of representation and diversity in tennis is a blessing for the USTA and will continue to shape the sport for years to come.
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