Rennae Stubbs thinks Coco Gauff means business this offseason and therefore Serena Williams’ former coach believes it is reasonable to already declare the American tennis star as an Australian Open favorite.
After reaching the French Open semifinal, the world No. 3 started battling major issues on her serve and she didn’t have a great couple of months. But still, she managed to finish her 2024 season on a high note after winning the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing and also landing her first WTA Finals title.
That success late in the season could be contributed to the fact that Gauff made a coaching change and added Matt Daly after the US Open. After helping the 20-year-old make some positive changes and adjustments to her serve early in their partnership, they ramped up their work in the preseason – judging by the American’s social media updates.
Stubbs: Gauff is putting in the work to be one of the Australian Open favorites
“Looking at the training schedule right now of Coco on Instagram she is putting in the work. I think after the way she finished the way she did that is going to be really interesting to see. I do believe she has absolutely put her hands up to be one of the favorites for the Australian Open,” the former doubles world No. 1 said on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
Coco Gauff© Coco Gauff/Instagram – Fair Use
Following her maiden Grand Slam triumph at the 2023 US Open, the former world No. 2 entered the 2024 Australian Open determined to win back-to-back Majors. Unfortunately for the American, she fell just two wins short after Aryna Sabalenka handed her a defeat in the semifinal at Melbourne Park, which ended her 11-match winning streak at Slams.
If Gauff manages to further improve her serve ahead of the 2025 season, there is no reason not to think that she won’t be a major contender for the main glory at Melbourne Park.
Tennis World USA