Coco Gauff Acknowledges Serve Adjustments Require Time After Numerous Double Faults at Italian Open

American tennis star Coco Gauff, 20, has accumulated 35 double faults in three matches at the Italian Open. Despite this, the world number three remains optimistic, explaining that the technical changes to her serve require time to settle in. A potent serve can be a powerful weapon in tennis, but Gauff has struggled with her delivery during the clay court season, averaging nearly 10 double faults per match in the five games she played on the slower surface leading up to Rome.

Gauff’s serve issues were particularly evident in her recent match against Paula Badosa, where she sent down 11 double faults. However, she still managed to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 victory, demonstrating her resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. This win advanced her to the quarter-finals, and Gauff expressed that she is already noticing some improvements in her serve ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 26.

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“I’m going big on the first serve, so I know I’m probably going to miss more. It’s just finding the balance of going big but also knowing when to slow down just to get the serve in,” Gauff, the 2022 Roland Garros runner-up, told reporters. “I bet on myself to continue to go big. I know when I go big and my serve goes in, it’s dangerous. Even though this tournament I want to win, I’m trying to think long-term. I don’t want to lose the 120 mph serve by not going for it.”

Gauff’s remarks reflect her understanding of the complexities involved in perfecting a serve, particularly on clay, which demands a different approach compared to faster surfaces. The American prodigy is known for her aggressive playing style and powerful serve, but transitioning these elements to clay has proven challenging. Her commitment to maintaining a high-speed serve, even at the risk of more double faults, underscores her long-term strategy.

The serve is one of the most critical aspects of a tennis player’s game, and for Gauff, it has been a focal point of her development. Her decision to continue pushing the boundaries with her serve, despite the recent struggles, highlights her determination to evolve as a player. This approach is not without its risks, as evidenced by the high number of double faults, but Gauff is confident that with time and practice, the adjustments will pay off.

Her coach, Diego Moyano, has been working closely with her to fine-tune her serve mechanics. The changes they have implemented are designed to increase the consistency and power of her serve, ultimately making it a more effective weapon. Moyano’s experience and Gauff’s dedication to improvement are key factors in this ongoing process.

Gauff’s performance on clay has seen mixed results this season. The slower surface often demands greater precision and patience, which can be at odds with her natural inclination towards aggressive play. However, her recent matches have shown that she is capable of adapting and learning from each game. The Italian Open serves as a crucial testing ground for her new serve technique, providing her with valuable insights and opportunities for adjustment before the French Open.

In addition to her serve, Gauff’s overall game has been evolving. Her baseline play, court coverage, and mental toughness have all seen significant improvements. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to make her a more well-rounded and formidable opponent on any surface. The focus on long-term development is evident in her approach, as she prioritizes lasting improvements over immediate results.

The upcoming French Open will be a significant milestone for Gauff. As a runner-up in 2022, she has demonstrated her potential to perform well on clay. The adjustments to her serve, coupled with her growing experience and confidence, position her as a strong contender. While the journey has its challenges, Gauff’s commitment to pushing through these difficulties reflects her ambition and drive.

In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s serve adjustments and the resulting double faults at the Italian Open highlight the complexities and challenges of refining a critical aspect of her game. Her focus on long-term improvement, supported by her coach’s expertise and her own resilience, indicates a promising path forward. As she prepares for the French Open, Gauff remains optimistic about her serve’s potential to become a powerful and consistent weapon, integral to her success on the clay courts.