Coco Gauff's Serve Transforms Ahead of US Open

Coco Gauff's journey back to the US Open has been marked by a significant transformation in her serving game. Last year, the young American was seen practicing her serves in the rain, struggling with a major flaw that affected her performance. This year, however, Gauff has returned with a potent serve that played a crucial role in her first-round victory against Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez, winning 6-3, 6-4.

The 22-year-old Gauff, seeded fourth in this year's tournament, started strong with a quick hold to love, setting the tone for a dominant first set. Her improved serve helped her navigate challenges in the second set when Sonmez threatened to break her serve.

Reflecting on her progress, Gauff noted the stark contrast in her confidence compared to last year. She attributed her success to changes made in her coaching team, specifically the addition of biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who previously assisted Aryna Sabalenka with similar serving issues. Gauff's decision to tweak her technique was a risk, especially after facing high double fault counts at the Cincinnati Open prior to the US Open.

Despite still experiencing some double faults, Gauff's serve has become a formidable weapon. Her recent performances show improved consistency in her toss and wrist position, contributing to better accuracy and speed. This newfound confidence was evident in her recent title win at the Cincinnati Open, where her serve proved to be a decisive factor. Gauff's transformation is a testament to her hard work and determination as she aims for success in this year's US Open.