Coco Gauff, the young American tennis prodigy, is honing one of the most critical aspects of her game—her serve—in pursuit of further Grand Slam glory. At just 18 years old, Gauff has already made waves in the tennis world, most notably with a strong run at the US Open and other major tournaments. Now, with fresh coaching guidance, she appears ready to elevate her serve into a weapon that could define her next phase of success.

Historically, a powerful and consistent serve has been a hallmark of many all-time greats. Players like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Roger Federer combined fierce, reliable serves with tactical prowess to dominate their eras. Similarly, young players such as Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka have shown how refining serving technique can propel careers forward, particularly in high-pressure Grand Slam environments. Gauff’s focus on improving her serve fits within this broader narrative of elite players investing heavily in this vital skill to gain an edge.

Coco Gauff recently started working with a new coach who is a former professional player turned instructor. Under this expert guidance, she has concentrated on minimizing double faults and increasing the power and accuracy of her serve. In one of her recent outings at the Canadian Open, this hard work paid off—she recorded a low number of double faults, a marked improvement compared to previous tournaments where inconsistencies in her serve sometimes cost crucial points. This mirrors a similar journey taken by Aryna Sabalenka, who struggled with serving errors before her breakthrough Australian Open victory, highlighting how vital serve improvements can be to a champion’s toolkit.

Gauff’s ambitions are clear: she aims to capture her second US Open title. Having won her breakthrough major previously, she understands that the key to sustained success is evolving her game. The US Open, held annually in New York City, has long been a proving ground for American tennis stars. Players such as Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, and more recently, Serena and Venus Williams all solidified their legacies on these courts, making Gauff’s pursuit a continuation of a proud national tradition.

The mental toughness required at Grand Slam events demands not just physical skills but also resilience and strategic intelligence. Gauff has demonstrated maturity beyond her years, often turning matches after tough starts and learning from each setback. Her new coaching arrangement is providing her with tailored strategies to bolster her tournament performance, including serve placement, variety, and timing—elements that collectively can disrupt opponents’ rhythms and give her the upper hand in crucial moments.

Beyond serve practice, Gauff’s approach is reminiscent of tennis greats who revolutionized their games mid-career. For example, Andre Agassi famously overhauled his serve and fitness regime to extend his dominance, and it’s common knowledge that investing in smaller technical details often results in big competitive advantages. Gauff is embracing this philosophy, staying dedicated to practice sessions that sometimes extend beyond routine training, signaling her commitment to personal growth.

As the US Open approaches, the tennis world is watching closely. The tournament has an illustrious history, dating back to 1881 as the U.S. National Championships before evolving into the modern US Open in 1968, the first Grand Slam to allow professional players to compete. Many champions have emerged from the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, with their legacies defined by moments of brilliance often sparked by a lethal serve. Gauff’s preparation suggests she hopes to add her name alongside these legends.

While challenges remain and the competition will be fierce—with seasoned veterans and rising young stars all vying for the title—Gauff’s trajectory is promising. Each serve she practices and each match she plays brings refinement and confidence. Her story is one of dedication and strategic reinvention, echoing the journeys of past champions who knew the importance of evolving their game.

In the end, Coco Gauff’s quest for a second US Open trophy is as much about mental fortitude and strategic coaching as it is about physical talent. With her relentless work ethic and the guidance of her new coach, she is positioning herself not just as a contender but as a potential tennis icon. Her serve, once a work in progress, could soon become her ace in the hole—delivering clutch points and thrilling fans around the world. The next chapter in her young but already eventful career is unfolding, and it promises to be an exciting one to follow.