Renowned tennis coach Eric Riley has conveyed his concerns regarding Coco Gauff’s prospects of winning a Grand Slam title in 2024, emphasizing the need for significant improvements in the young American’s game.
Following a remarkable 2023 season that saw her triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final to secure her first Grand Slam title, Gauff commenced the 2024 season by successfully defending her title at the ASB Classic and reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open.
However, Gauff’s journey at the Australian Open concluded in the semifinals with a hard-fought defeat against Sabalenka. Riley commended Gauff for her semifinal appearance while cautioning that meeting expectations as a top contender presents more challenges than ascending the ranks as an underdog.
During a recent appearance on the ‘Tennis Channel Inside-In’ podcast, Riley underscored the crucial role of Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, in facilitating her continued progression. He stressed the necessity for Gauff to address her weaknesses and effect necessary improvements to achieve success in the upcoming 2024 season.
Former tennis champion Maria Sharapova also expressed her admiration for Gauff’s performance, commending the young player for her 2023 US Open victory and lauding the emergence of new talent in women’s tennis.
Looking ahead, Gauff is poised to compete in the Qatar Open as the second seed, where she will encounter formidable competition in her quest to sustain her success on the court.
In conclusion, while Gauff has already attained significant milestones in her career, it is evident that she will need to elevate her game and make strategic improvements to secure more victories and potentially claim another Grand Slam title in the future.