Esteemed tennis coach Eric Riley has expressed his opinion that Coco Gauff will need to elevate her performance above that which secured her the US Open title in 2023 if she has any aspirations of winning another major title this year.
Riley stated that the level of play Gauff exhibited during her victorious 2023 US Open campaign might not be sufficient to accumulate more Grand Slam titles, especially considering the fact that she now has a target on her back as the defending champion.
Despite triumphing at the US Open, Gauff encountered a straight-sets defeat at the hands of world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open. This early exit saw Sabalenka retain her title at Melbourne. Moreover, Gauff suffered a surprising first-round loss to world No 42 Katerina Siniakova at the WTA 1000 event in Doha shortly after her Australian Open defeat.
Riley praised Gauff’s performance at the Australian Open but emphasised the necessity for her to enhance her skills in order to secure additional Grand Slam victories. He stressed the importance of purposeful practice and hard work, particularly when faced with the heightened expectations and competition that come with being a reigning champion.
Acknowledging Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert as an invaluable asset due to his vast experience, Riley highlighted the demanding nature of the sport and the need for Gauff to address her weaknesses, build confidence, and put in the necessary work to further her success.
Throughout his coaching career, Riley has guided Pam Shriver and Lisa Raymond to Grand Slam triumphs in women’s doubles, lending weight and credibility to his insights on what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Riley’s comments provide valuable perspective on the challenges faced by young talents like Gauff as they seek to establish themselves as consistent contenders for major titles.
In conclusion, Riley’s analysis offers a glimpse into the commitment and dedication needed for players to remain competitive in the upper echelons of tennis, shedding light on the rigorous demands of the sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His observations underscore the arduous journey that lies ahead for Gauff and other aspiring champions in their quest for sustained success at the highest level of professional tennis.