Coco Gauff Struggles with Serve at Italian Open

American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has been facing difficulties with her serve during the Italian Open, where she accumulated a total of 35 double faults in just three matches. Despite this setback, the young athlete remains positive and attributes the issues to recent technical adjustments that require time to become consistent. A strong serve is a crucial aspect of tennis, and Gauff, who is currently ranked third in the world, has been diligently working on refining her serve during the clay court season.

Struggling to adapt to the slower clay surface, Gauff has been averaging nearly 10 double faults in her five matches leading up to the Italian Open. In her most recent match against Paula Badosa, she recorded a total of 11 double faults. However, Gauff has expressed confidence in the progress she is making and is determined to peak for the upcoming French Open, scheduled to start on May 26.

Gauff has emphasized her strategy of going for powerful first serves, understanding that this aggressive approach may lead to more faults. She has highlighted the importance of striking a balance between aggression and consistency in her serving game. While her immediate focus is on winning the current tournament, Gauff is also dedicated to long-term development and maintaining the strength of her serves.

Comparisons have been made to Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, who successfully transformed her serve from a weakness into a formidable weapon with the assistance of a biomechanics trainer. Gauff, guided by coaches Brad Gilbert and Jean-Christophe Faurel, is also actively working on technical adjustments to enhance her serving capabilities.

Reflecting on her progress, Gauff has noted significant improvements in her serve within a short period, indicating a positive trajectory in her development. She remains committed to honing her skills and adapting her game for future competitions.

Coco Gauff's dedication to improving her serve amidst challenges showcases her resilience and determination as a young tennis player. With a strong focus on both short-term goals and long-term development, Gauff's journey in refining her serving capabilities serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. As she continues to work on her game under the guidance of experienced coaches, the tennis world eagerly anticipates her future performances on the court.