Coco Gauff’s rise in the world of tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to relentless dedication, adaptability, and an instinctive drive to improve. Since bursting onto the scene as a precocious 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019, where she stunned Venus Williams in the opening round, Gauff has evolved steadily into a formidable competitor. Her remarkable triumph at the 2024 China Open further cemented her status as a major force on the WTA Tour, showcasing a combination of mental fortitude and on-court versatility that few young players possess.

Gauff’s game is characterized by her athleticism and competitive spirit. Her ability to adjust her tactics mid-match and to manage the psychological pressures of big occasions distinguishes her from many of her peers. At the 2024 China Open, this adaptability was on full display as she overcame a diverse field of opponents, each with different styles and strengths. She demonstrated resilience and calm under pressure, attributes that are essential at the highest levels of the game.

However, despite her breakthroughs and burgeoning confidence, experts agree there is still room to refine the most critical weapon in tennis: her serve. Historically, strong serving has been a hallmark of champions, and for Gauff, this is an aspect ripe for development. The serve is more than just an opening shot; it sets the tone for each point and can be a psychological weapon against opponents. Gauff’s serve, while effective enough to win matches, lacks some of the raw power and precision seen in the game’s very best.

Biomechanical studies and comparative analyses have pointed to specific areas for improvement, notably the leg drive and wrist action integral to generating pace and control on a serve. For instance, players like Iga Swiatek, whose serving technique incorporates explosive leg drive and rapid wrist snap, consistently produce serves with greater velocity and accuracy. This advantage allows Swiatek not only to secure free points with aces but also to gain tactical superiority by dictating rallies from the outset. Gauff’s serve, by contrast, occasionally suffers from diminished speed and predictability, leading to vulnerability on second serves—critical points where opponents can capitalize.

Despite this challenge, Gauff’s commitment to growth provides optimism. Under the guidance of her experienced coaching team, which includes legendary former players and technical analysts, she is focused on tweaking her technique. Emphasizing strength and flexibility training to boost leg power, as well as refining wrist snap mechanics, are priorities in her regimen. Historically, young players who have successfully transformed their serving games—such as Serena Williams and Roger Federer—did so through meticulous adjustments and an unwavering work ethic, qualities Gauff clearly possesses.

Coco’s journey reflects a broader pattern seen throughout tennis history: superlative talent paired with the willingness to confront weaknesses creates champions. Her story echoes that of greats like Martina Navratilova, who revolutionized her serve through innovative techniques and intense practice, or Arthur Ashe, who overcame physical disadvantages with superior strategy and adaptability. Gauff’s evolution, therefore, is part of an ongoing tradition in tennis where mental resilience and continuous learning separate the good from the legendary.

Moreover, Gauff’s youth is on her side. At just 20 years old, she is still in the early stages of her career, providing ample time for technical improvements and greater match experience. Past champions often reached their peak in their mid-20s to early 30s, signaling that Gauff’s best years could lie ahead. The tennis landscape also continues to shift, with players blending power, finesse, and tactical intelligence more than ever before. Gauff’s ability to adapt and improve could position her to be among the defining figures of her generation.

As she prepares to defend her China Open crown and continue climbing the rankings, the spotlight will inevitably focus on whether she can master her serve. It’s no coincidence that one of tennis’s greatest icons, John McEnroe, famously asserted, “You can’t win without serving.” For Gauff, every improvement made in this area will bring her closer to consistently asserting dominance on the court.

In tennis, as in life, success is rarely linear. Greatness requires embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and relentless self-improvement. Coco Gauff embodies these qualities. Her journey is far from over, but with her talent, dedication, and a sharpened serve in the pipeline, the tennis world watches eagerly, anticipating a career that could rival some of the sport’s all-time legends. The question isn’t if she can improve—it’s how far she will go once she does.