Coco Gauff Doesn’t Just Win Big Matches—She Owns Them. Here’s Why.
When the pressure peaks, Coco Gauff doesn’t just survive—she thrives. Take Sunday’s Wuhan Open final: locked at 4-4 in the first set, the 21-year-old unleashed three of her four aces in a single electrifying game. Then, trailing 5-3 in the second set, she staged a jaw-dropping comeback, reeling off 10 consecutive points to seal a 6-4, 7-5 victory over close friend Jessica Pegula. This wasn’t just a win—it was a masterclass in closing under fire.
But here’s the stat that defies logic: Gauff has now played nine hard-court finals on the Hologic WTA Tour—and won all nine. No other woman in tennis history has achieved this flawless start. When told this, Gauff burst into laughter during her post-match interview: “Oh, wow… I don’t know, honestly! In finals, there’s something in you that just wants to go all out. I made it this far—why not hold the trophy?” She credits her comfort on hard courts (her childhood surface) and a touch of luck, but insiders know it’s more than that.
The Tactical Genius: Like a seasoned pitcher mixing curveballs and sliders, Gauff weaponized spins and slices to neutralize Pegula’s power. The weary 31-year-old—who’d played a grueling 28 sets across two weeks—had no answers. (Pro tip: Don’t attempt this schedule unless you’re a glutton for punishment.)
Controversy Alert: Gauff’s late-season coaching carousel raises eyebrows. Since 2023, she’s switched mentors three times—yet keeps winning bigger. Critics argue this disrupts consistency; Gauff insists it fuels evolution: “It’s not about previous coaches failing me. Sometimes a fresh voice unlocks what you already know.” (Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments.)
China = Her Happy Place: With a dazzling 22-3 record there, Gauff admits the Asian swing’s timing (“You’re exhausted, so you play free”) and court speeds (“Like Florida, where I train”) suit her. This Wuhan win marked her third WTA 1000 title—making her the third-youngest ever to hit that milestone, trailing only Swiatek and Wozniacki.
The X-Factor? Emotional control. Facing Pegula—a former doubles partner—both players showed eerie calm, channeling the Williams sisters’ legendary poise. “Playing a friend is bittersweet,” Gauff admitted. “But if I lose, at least it’s to someone I respect.”
What’s Next? After fine-tuning her revamped serve (“I fixed my toss—don’t ask for details!”), she’s eyeing Riyadh’s WTA Finals. Can she defend her title? “Serena was the last to do it. So… no pressure!”
Your Turn: Is Gauff’s coaching shuffle bold or reckless? And can she dethrone Swiatek as the tour’s clutch queen? Drop your hot takes below!
