Coco Gauff is feeling optimistic and confident as she starts her clay season, aiming to win titles on the surface. She has had success on clay in the past, reaching her first Grand Slam final at the French Open in 2022 and winning the title as a junior. However, it has been three years since she won her only clay title as a professional at the Emilia-Romagna Open. Gauff is determined to add a recent clay title to her resume and is focused on tournaments like Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome.
The world No. 3 expressed her goals for the clay season, stating that while winning the French Open is a goal for any top player, she is focused on the present and on winning immediate tournaments like Stuttgart. Gauff emphasized that she wants to feel like a contender in all the tournaments she plays, citing her recent performances at the US Open and Australian Open as evidence of her ability to compete at a high level. She believes that success in tennis ultimately comes down to performing well in crucial moments.
To bolster her coaching team, Gauff has brought back former coach Jean-Cristophe Faurel, who initially worked with her when she was just 14 years old. The partnership between Gauff and Faurel ended in 2020 due to visa issues faced by Faurel that prevented him from entering the US. With those issues resolved, the timing was right for them to reunite, and Gauff is excited to have someone who knows her well on her team. Faurel will work alongside Brad Gilbert as Gauff prepares for the Stuttgart Open and the upcoming clay swing.
In the Stuttgart Open, Gauff is set to face fellow American Sachia Vickery in her first match. If she progresses, she could potentially face fifth seed Qinwen Zheng in later rounds. Gauff remains confident in her abilities and believes she can be a contender in all tournaments she competes in. She is fueled by her past successes on clay and is determined to add another clay title to her professional career. With a positive mindset and a strong coaching team behind her, Gauff is ready to take on the challenges of the clay season.
Fans can catch Gauff and other top tennis action, including the upcoming 2024 French Open, live on discovery+. Gauff’s journey in the clay season will be one to watch as she looks to continue her rise in the tennis world and compete for titles on one of the sport’s most challenging surfaces. With her talent, drive, and determination, Gauff is poised to make a statement in the upcoming tournaments and solidify her status as a top contender in the sport.
