Coco Gauff’s rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 18 years old, the American prodigy has already established herself as one of the most exciting talents on the WTA Tour. A cornerstone of her game is her serve, which has long been considered an area needing improvement. Yet, at the recent Wuhan Open, Gauff demonstrated why her serve remains a crucial weapon, even when it isn’t firing perfectly.

Serving is often called the most important shot in tennis, a potential “ace up the sleeve.” For Gauff, this phrase holds particular significance. Despite grappling with inconsistency and double faults, her serving statistics at Wuhan reflected remarkable resilience and adaptation. Facing Jessica Pegula—a fellow American player ranked among the top contenders—Gauff dealt with eight double faults in their match. While double faults can be costly, Gauff compensated effectively by winning 63% of her first-serve points, an indicator of her power and placement when the ball lands in, and 36.8% on second serves, which speaks to her mental toughness when under pressure.

Holding serve is the foundation of any tennis match, especially against world-class opponents. Gauff faced nine break points but saved only two, yet she held serve in 11 out of her 12 service games, underlining not just physical skill but mental maturity beyond her years. This tenacity and ability to adjust mid-match differentiate her from many emerging players and highlight why she continually challenges top-ranked competitors.

In this Wuhan Open appearance, Gauff’s serve shone through: she hit four aces against Pegula, showcasing the raw power that can turn games around. Her first-serve percentage clocked in at 74%, a solid figure indicating an improvement considering her past struggles with first-serve consistency. Pegula, meanwhile, struggled more on serve, managing no aces and a first-serve percentage of 50%, highlighting Gauff’s superiority in this facet of their encounter.

Gauff’s growth as a player is particularly impressive when you consider her recent results. Before Wuhan, she secured victories against top-10 players such as Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini, emphasizing her rising dominance on tour. Historically, young American players have occasionally burst onto the scene but often faced challenges sustaining progress amid fierce competition. However, Gauff seems poised to break that pattern, blending youthful energy with increasing tactical savvy.

The historical context of Gauff’s climb is fascinating. At 15, she captured global attention by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, a match that became symbolic of a new generation of tennis talent. Since then, she has continued to refine her game, focusing on aspects like serve and shot selection. This steady growth mirrors the trajectories of legends like Serena Williams, whose serve evolved into one of the most feared weapons on tour over years of persistence.

The Wuhan Open itself has a storied place in tennis history. Established in 2014, the event quickly rose to become a significant stop on the WTA calendar. Since China’s increasing investment in tennis, Wuhan has drawn an elite field, with winners like Aryna Sabalenka and Petra Kvitová highlighting its competitive prestige. Gauff’s success here signals that she is becoming capable of conquering high-stakes tournaments, a vital step toward Grand Slam success.

Looking ahead, Gauff’s momentum has sparked conversations about her potential breakthrough at season-ending events such as the WTA Finals. With players like Iga Świątek, Sabalenka, Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova expected to compete, the field is stacked with talent. For Gauff to claim such a title, improvements in service consistency will be vital. Historically, players with powerful and reliable serves—like Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and more recently Naomi Osaka—have often held the key to winning major championships.

Experience is another crucial factor. Gauff has already shown remarkable poise in high-pressure matches, an attribute sometimes rare in young athletes. Her serve may not yet be flawless, but her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness offer a glimpse of a future star capable of shaping the sport’s landscape.

Coco Gauff’s journey is a compelling blend of youthful exuberance and burgeoning skill. Her serve, once seen as a vulnerability, is rapidly becoming a weapon capable of winning big points. As she continues refining this aspect of her game, expect her to serve more aces, maintain strong service holds, and assert dominance on the biggest stages. When that day arrives, the tennis world will have no choice but to reckon with a new force—a young American who is rewriting the rules of the game with every swing.