Coco Gauff is kicking off a new phase in her career at the 2024 China Open, aiming to bounce back after recent challenges on the court. Following her departure from coach Brad Gilbert after her fourth-round exit at the 2024 US Open, Gauff has brought on Matt Daly to assist her long-time coach Jean-Christophe “JC” Faurel. Daly, previously a coach for Denis Shapovalov, is expected to help Gauff enhance her game, focusing primarily on her serve, which has been a key area of concern for the 20-year-old tennis sensation.
The Transition to a New Coaching Setup
Gauff, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, expressed excitement about her new coaching setup. In an interview, she revealed that the decision to part ways with Gilbert was motivated by the need for a “reset and refresh.” She explained that while her partnership with Gilbert was fruitful—highlighted by her US Open triumph in 2023—it was time to focus on other aspects of her game. Daly’s expertise in correcting racket grips is seen as pivotal to addressing Gauff’s service issues, which were especially evident in her US Open match against Emma Navarro, where she committed 19 double faults.
Gauff’s first test under her new coaching team will be against Clara Burel at the 2024 China Open. As the fourth seed in the tournament, she is looking to regain momentum and secure her spot in the WTA Finals for the third consecutive year​(
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Olympics).
Focus on Serve and Other Areas of Improvement
The serve has been identified as the cornerstone of Gauff’s game and her primary focus going forward. She has already noticed significant improvements in her practice sessions with Daly, despite the changes being subtle. While there are no drastic overhauls in her technique, Gauff is confident that these minor adjustments will make a marked difference in her upcoming matches.
Beyond the serve, Gauff aims to refine other aspects of her game, such as her forehand, which has also been a point of inconsistency. Daly’s role will not be limited to technical changes; Gauff has indicated that the new coaching team will remain in place through 2025, allowing for a longer-term strategy aimed at achieving sustained success​(
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Aiming for WTA Finals Qualification
Gauff’s performance at the China Open is crucial for her qualification in the year-end WTA Finals. She is currently in the sixth spot on the PIF Race to the Finals leaderboard, and a strong showing in Beijing could secure her a place among the top eight players of the season. Gauff has emphasized that while qualifying for the Finals would be an added bonus, she’s trying to avoid putting too much pressure on herself during this transitional period. If she does manage to qualify, it will mark her third consecutive appearance at the prestigious event​(
Women’s Tennis Association)​(
Olympics).
Excited for a New Beginning in Beijing
The 2024 China Open also offers Gauff a chance to enjoy her time in Beijing. Unlike last year, when she was physically drained from her US Open victory, Gauff feels refreshed and ready to explore the city. She even took time to visit famous sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which she missed out on during her previous visit. This time, she’s hoping that the balance of preparation and relaxation will translate into success on the court​(
Women’s Tennis Association)​(
Olympics).
Key Takeaways for Fans and Tennis Enthusiasts
Coco Gauff’s decision to make these coaching changes is a bold step aimed at ensuring her long-term success. As she embarks on her Asian swing, starting with the China Open, all eyes will be on how her game evolves under Matt Daly’s guidance. Fans can watch her opening match against Clara Burel, where Gauff will showcase her refined techniques and strategies. With renewed energy and a clear focus on improvement, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the young tennis star​(
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