MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Coco Gauff is feeling more comfortable than ever in her game heading into the Australian Open and while changes to her playing style have had an impact the world number three says it is her different mindset which has made the biggest difference.
Gauff, who won her only Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 2023, has been in top form in recent months, winning the China Open and clinching her first WTA Finals title in November.
She took that form into the United Cup, beating world number two Iga Swiatek in the final to help the United States win their second title at the mixed team tournament.
“I feel more comfortable now than ever,” said the 20-year-old, whose Flushing Meadows title defence ended in the fourth round last year.
“I think not even from the fact of the changes (in playing style). I just realized the importance of winning or losing a match.
“As athletes, losing feels like the end of the world, and winning feels like something we should do, not something we should be grateful for. No one makes us feel like that except ourselves. I think I just realized it’s never that important.”
Gauff made some adjustments to her game, including grip changes, after bringing in new coach Matt Daly in place of Brad Gilbert last year.
After struggling with her serve throughout 2024, Gauff said she now had more tools to work with on the court.
“I think just going for my shots more, being more okay with missing, taking chances,” she added.
“Before, I feel like I won a lot of matches just being able to get a lot of balls back. I realized that’s not the way to play if I want to have more success on tour because girls are hitting harder and harder every day, being more aggressive.
“I’m able to be aggressive, but also run around the court if I need to.”
Gauff faces compatriot and former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in the first round at Melbourne Park.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
