Coco Gauff admits she may never be as good as Carlos Alcaraz on one key shot
Coco Gauff will bring a whole new aura onto court as she heads into the first Grand Slam of 2024 – but she admits one of her shots needs some big improvement.
After the US Open cruised into the final of the ABS Classic in Auckland with a straight sets defeat of Emma Navarro, it was evident that the 19-year-old now believes she is ready to win and win again.
Gauff turned in a dominant display in the 6-3 6-1 win, the American winning 93 per cent of points on her first serve, including 10 aces.
The 19-year-old US Open winner won four out of five break points and did not drop her serve, giving her fellow American no room to get into the game.
“Definitely it’s a good start to my 2024. Emma is an incredible player,” said Gauff.
“We played each other when I was 12 years old and she was 15 … it’s really cool to play on this stage. I knew I needed to be aggressive in my serve and return.
“We played a practice set here before the tournament started and she was playing really well so I knew I had to be at my best if I wanted to win.
“It feels good to be back here in the final. I’m really happy with how I played today and hopefully I can keep it up for one more match.”
One part of her game that Gauff will look to improve on is her drop shot, which she admits has been misfiring in Auckland.
“Today there was one really bad one,” she said with a smile.
“I don’t even know what that was, it landed on my side. It has to be the worst shot of the year, they need to pull that up at the end of the year.
“I couldn’t do anything but laugh. Sometimes It’s like that. I was working on my drop shots, I’m not Carlos Alcaraz. But the goal is to be somewhere with the drop shots.
“I did hit one good one today, so I’m happy with that. Hopefully, I can continue to get better, but that one bounced two feet in front of me, it was hilarious. I rate my drop shots a six out of 10.
“But they’ve saved my life in some scenarios, so I can’t get too upset at them.”
READ MORE: Coco Gauff delighted to reap the benefits of pre-season work
Gauff went on to suggest she is a more mature player heading into the new season, with the US Open win giving her renewed confidence.
“I think I’m a lot smarter player,” she added. “I know what level I can bring and I know how to play and manage it.
“Every match isn’t going to go my way, but I think I’m making smarter decisions on the court, with emotions and everything.
“I’m having fun, I’m not putting so much pressure on myself. Obviously the situation in the tournament, I’m the No 1 seed and ranked quite a bit higher than some of the girls I’ve played so far.
“Sometimes you can go into that and put yourself under pressure, like you need to win, or you’re supposed to win.
“But I’ve always had that mentality, when I was ranked lower, that even If I was playing someone top five in the world and I was like 60, I still felt like I can win.
“So I’ve switched that mentality. Even though I’m ranked higher, I’m still able to say it’s OK if I lose.”
The confidence Gauff is showing on court bodes well for what lies ahead and
Gauff is yet to drop a set in tournament as she prepares for the Australian Open which begins in Melbourne on January 14.
She will play Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the final after she beat China’s Wang Xiyu in three sets.
