Coco Gauff has been captivating tennis fans around the world with her extraordinary talent and relentless determination, yet her recent performances have been marked by an unusual and seemingly persistent hitch: an alarming number of double faults. In a recent hard-fought match against Veronika Kudermetova, Gauff recorded an extraordinary 24 double faults—an atypical statistic that could frustrate even the most composed veteran players. Yet, rather than diminishing her, this vulnerability has only underscored Gauff’s incredible fighting spirit and resilience on court.

The serving struggles have become a talking point among tennis experts and commentators, who note that while her serve is undeniably powerful, her second serve often lacks consistency and control. Rennae Stubbs, a former professional player and respected tennis analyst, recently shared some insight directly related to Gauff’s second serve technique. On social media, Stubbs broke down the issue with a simple yet profound piece of advice. She suggested that Gauff should adjust her contact point on the ball during her second serve, focusing on “getting under the ball more” and accelerating upward rather than downward. Using a clock analogy, Stubbs advised visualizing hitting the ball at the “7 o’clock” position instead of the “12 o’clock,” encouraging more upward momentum that can add both spin and bounce, thereby increasing reliability.

This technical advice reveals just how intricate serving truly is. Serving in tennis is not just about power but a combination of precision, timing, and mechanics, factors that are still evolving in Gauff’s game despite her young age. The 19-year-old star turned professional in 2018 and has rapidly climbed the ranks, showcasing a blend of aggressive baseline play and exceptional court speed. Her serve inconsistencies represent a temporary hurdle in an otherwise meteoric rise.

What really sets Gauff apart, however, isn’t just technical skill but her indomitable spirit. Stubbs, who has worked extensively as a coach and pundit, pointed out that Gauff’s speed, tenacity, and mental toughness regularly swing matches in her favor—even when her serve falters. This resilience was evident in a recent thrilling tiebreak victory against Himeno Uchijima at Indian Wells, a match where Gauff committed 23 double faults but still emerged victorious. Such grit is reminiscent of the champions of tennis history who battled through adversity with sheer willpower.

To appreciate Gauff’s current journey, it’s worth reflecting on her rapid ascent in the tennis world. Born in 2004, she stunned the world at just 15 years old during Wimbledon 2019 when she defeated Venus Williams, a former champion and one of her idols, in a stunning upset. That moment showcased not only her technical prowess but also her composure under pressure—traits she has continued to develop amid the rigors of the professional tour. Her early career was also marked by a combination of junior Grand Slam titles and solid performances in WTA events, anchoring her status as one of the most promising young talents in tennis.

While her serve may currently be a source of frustration, Gauff’s overall game remains formidable. Her ability to chase down balls with exceptional court coverage, combined with a powerful and accurate baseline game, often compensates for her service inconsistencies. She has also shown strategic growth—adapting shot selection and improving her mental approach—which is crucial for a player navigating the high-pressure environment of the ATP and WTA tours.

In fortifying her serve, Gauff has been looking for guidance not only from coaches but also from seasoned pros like Stubbs and others who understand the nuances of elite tennis. Many champions throughout history have grappled with serving issues. For example, the legendary John McEnroe, known for his artistry and touch, struggled with consistency on his serve early in his career before refining his technique to become one of the all-time greats. Similarly, Serena Williams, despite possessing one of the greatest serves in the game, occasionally battled double faults in pressure moments yet used her mental strength to overcome and win.

As Gauff prepares to compete at upcoming tournaments, including the highly competitive Canadian Open, the focus will be on harnessing her formidable all-around game and transforming her serve into a weapon rather than a liability. Her recent doubles matches, often played alongside compatriots like McCartney Kessler, offer a welcomed chance to practice under varied conditions, which could help her regain confidence.

Ultimately, what’s clear is that Coco Gauff’s journey is far from defined by any single statistic or flaw. Her story is defined by courage, dedication, and an unyielding refusal to give up—attributes that resonate deeply with tennis’s rich tradition of champions who have overcome obstacles to shine on the biggest stages. As Rennae Stubbs succinctly put it, Gauff’s persistence is a “sign of a champion,” and fans can be certain that this rising star will continue to “serve” up thrilling tennis moments for years to come.