As the 2024 tennis season looms on the horizon, all eyes are on the rising star Coco Gauff. The 19-year-old American phenom took the tennis world by storm in 2023, clinching her first Grand Slam title at the US Open and solidifying her place among the sport’s elite. With the Australian Open just weeks away, the buzz surrounding Gauff’s potential to dominate in Melbourne is palpable. But what’s the secret to her rapid improvement? Rennae Stubbs, former professional tennis player and seasoned analyst, has been keeping a close eye on Gauff’s pre-season training and has shared some intriguing observations.
Stubbs, known for her insightful commentary and coaching expertise, believes Gauff is entering the new season with a sharpened mindset and a finely tuned game. From her footwork to her mental approach, Stubbs has identified key elements in Gauff’s preparation that could make her a formidable contender at the Australian Open.
A Focused Training Regimen
Rennae Stubbs recently got a glimpse of Coco Gauff’s pre-season training sessions, and one thing stood out immediately: focus. Gauff’s workouts were not only intense but meticulously planned, designed to fine-tune every aspect of her game.
“It’s like watching a veteran in action,” Stubbs said. “Coco’s maturity in approaching her training is incredible for someone her age. She’s not just hitting balls; she’s dissecting her weaknesses and finding ways to turn them into strengths.”
Gauff’s team has placed significant emphasis on her footwork, a critical component of her game that Stubbs believes has been revolutionized. By working with elite trainers, Gauff is honing her ability to move quickly and efficiently on all surfaces, but especially on the fast courts of Melbourne Park.
“The Australian Open courts reward athleticism and agility,” Stubbs explained. “Coco’s training clearly reflects an understanding of that. She’s putting in the work to ensure she can cover the court like never before.”
Fine-Tuning the Serve
One of the most noticeable improvements in Gauff’s game during 2023 was her serve, an area that had previously been a vulnerability. Under the guidance of her coach Brad Gilbert, Gauff has transformed her serve into a weapon. Stubbs observed that this progress hasn’t stopped.
“Her serve has gone from being a liability to being a strength,” Stubbs noted. “What’s remarkable is that she’s not settling. She’s working on adding variety to her serve, mixing up the pace and placement to keep opponents guessing.”
According to Stubbs, Gauff’s ability to maintain a high first-serve percentage will be crucial at the Australian Open, where the fast hard courts demand precision and power. Gauff’s focus on building confidence in her second serve is another promising sign, as it could minimize double faults and give her an edge in tight matches.
Building Mental Resilience
Tennis is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one, and Gauff has shown tremendous growth in this area. Stubbs, who has spent decades around the sport, highlighted Gauff’s mental toughness as one of the most significant changes she’s noticed.
“What sets Coco apart now is her composure,” Stubbs said. “She’s learned how to handle pressure, how to stay calm in those big moments. That’s what separates the good players from the great ones.”
Stubbs credits Gauff’s Grand Slam breakthrough at the US Open for bolstering her mental resilience. Winning her first major title has given her the confidence to believe she belongs at the top, and that belief is evident in her pre-season preparation.
“Coco carries herself differently now,” Stubbs observed. “She knows she can win. That confidence is showing in how she trains and how she approaches every session.”
The Influence of Brad Gilbert
The addition of Brad Gilbert to Gauff’s coaching team has been a game-changer. Renowned for his strategic brilliance and ability to simplify complex situations, Gilbert has played a pivotal role in refining Gauff’s game. Stubbs noted that Gilbert’s influence is evident in every aspect of Gauff’s preparation.
“Brad’s been instrumental in helping Coco play smarter, not harder,” Stubbs explained. “He’s teaching her how to construct points, when to be aggressive, and when to pull back. That kind of tactical awareness is invaluable, especially in a high-stakes tournament like the Australian Open.”
Stubbs also praised Gilbert for instilling a sense of discipline and accountability in Gauff’s training. His experience in guiding players like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to Grand Slam glory has given him the tools to help Gauff navigate the pressures of being a top contender.
A Fitness Revolution
Another aspect of Gauff’s preparation that Stubbs highlighted is her enhanced physical conditioning. Gauff has always been an exceptional athlete, but her pre-season training suggests she’s taking her fitness to the next level.
“She’s stronger, faster, and more durable than ever,” Stubbs said. “Her team has clearly prioritized fitness, which is essential for surviving the grueling two weeks of a Grand Slam.”
The Australian Open is notorious for its extreme heat and demanding schedule, and Gauff’s improved fitness will be a critical factor in her success. Stubbs believes that Gauff’s ability to sustain her energy levels over long matches will give her a significant advantage against her rivals.
Sharpening the Backhand
While Gauff’s forehand has been a focal point of her development, Stubbs was particularly impressed by the improvements in her backhand. Once considered her more consistent shot, Gauff has added an extra layer of aggression and precision to her backhand, making it a potent weapon.
“Her backhand down the line is a thing of beauty,” Stubbs said. “She’s hitting it with so much confidence and authority. That shot is going to win her a lot of points in Melbourne.”
Stubbs also noted that Gauff’s ability to mix up her backhand—whether by hitting heavy topspin or flattening it out—makes her a nightmare to play against.
The Road Ahead
As the Australian Open draws nearer, Coco Gauff’s preparation has positioned her as one of the tournament favorites. While the competition will be fierce, with the likes of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur in the mix, Stubbs believes Gauff has what it takes to make a deep run in Melbourne.
“She’s got the tools, the mindset, and the team to go all the way,” Stubbs said. “The question is whether she can bring it all together when it matters most.”
For Gauff, the Australian Open represents an opportunity to prove that her US Open triumph was no fluke. A strong showing in Melbourne could solidify her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis and set the tone for another groundbreaking season.
Conclusion: Ready for the Big Stage
Rennae Stubbs’ observations offer a glimpse into the evolution of Coco Gauff as a player. From her enhanced fitness to her refined tactics and mental toughness, Gauff is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for greatness.
As the tennis world waits to see how she performs in Melbourne, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is ready to take on the challenge. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, her pre-season preparation has already sent a powerful message—she’s here to stay, and she’s not done making history.
