By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 12, 2024
It’s no secret that Coco Gauff has numerous self-belief. After media day on Friday on the Australian Open, it’s even much less of a secret.
Gauff, who received her maiden main on the 2023 US Open, talked about a wide range of topics, from her improved serve to her capability to place her crowning achievement up to now. She additionally talked in regards to the excessive expectations she has set for herself.
Requested what number of Grand Slam titles she thinks she will be able to win, Gauff mentioned she didn’t actually put a quantity on it. Then she added: “I might say double-digits can be fairly superior.”
The 19-year-old, introduced up idolizing legend Serena Williams, who completed her profession in 2022 with 23 main titles, says she isn’t positive if it’s doable, however she desires to set the bar excessive so she doesn’t skimp in relation to pushing herself.
“I do not know if it can occur, however I believe that is a excessive purpose,” Gauff mentioned. “I believe setting my objectives excessive pushes me past what I believe I can do.”
The momentum is constructing 📈
How Coco Gauff might win a second-straight onerous courtroom Grand Slam ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Us1ur7XDWL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 11, 2024
2023 is within the rearview
The Florida native, who will face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in her first spherical match in Melbourne, says it didn’t take her lengthy to overlook about profitable her first main title.
How lengthy? A couple of week, she informed reporters.
“Once I went into China, I just about had it out of my head,” Gauff mentioned. “Then through the low season we did have fun a little bit bit simply because after the US Open, every part was so quick.
“Now going into one other slam, it actually looks like so way back. I type of overlook it occurred…”
New and improved serve
Gauff has centered as a substitute on bettering her recreation in order that she will be able to compete for extra majors. One factor she has devoted time to is fine-tuning her service toss. She mentioned the change was simple to implement.
“I believe for me, it was a really small change,” she mentioned. “It solely took me, like, two days to get – perhaps three – to get actually snug with it. It was simply to make the toss extra constant. As a substitute of throwing from so low to begin up increased to make the toss extra constant.
“Generally I nonetheless need to remind myself of it. I believe for probably the most half I used to be actually open to it. I believe my serve is one thing that when it is on, it is a actually huge weapon and may get me out of some conditions. Simply to make it extra constant was the purpose.”
