Australian Open 2024: Coco Gauff on 'magic' Andy Roddick advice ...

Published 19/01/2024 at 19:49 GMT

Coco Gauff has opened up on her private training sessions with former US Open champion Andy Roddick in a bid to improve her serve as she seeks back-to-back major titles.

The 19-year-old, who won the Auckland Open for a second year running in preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year, has kicked her tournament off with three straight-sets wins against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Caroline Dolehide and Alycia Parks.

Gauff came into the tournament as a Grand Slam champion having won the US Open last year, her maiden major title, and could be well on her way to a second after a strong start in Melbourne.

“Defending any title is really tough, especially at the start of the year, you want to start off good,” she said in the Eurosport Cube, reflecting on her victory in New Zealand.

“I did well in Aukland coming in as the No. 1 seed. I felt a little bit of pressure, but the final, I was probably most proud of that match because Elina [Svitolina] was a great opponent and I think that match toughness helped me into this tournament.”

Not only has her match toughness improved but also her service game, thanks to the 2003 men’s US Open winner Roddick.

Gauff continues electric form with win over Parks - Australian Open highlights

Gauff struck the fastest serve of the tournament on Friday at 199kph and explained to Eurosport what she is doing differently, and what measures she has taken to improve her serve

“I just adjusted the way that I tossed the ball up a little bit, which allowed my toss to be more consistent,” Gauff said. “Then I just felt that the more consistent my serve is, the more I’m ok with going for it in those big moments.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Coco Gauff of the United States serves in the Women's Singles Third Round match against Alycia Parks of the United States during day six of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2024 in Melbourne, Aus

Image credit: Eurosport

“I still know I can improve on it, but I’m really happy with the progress that I’ve made in the short amount of time.

“He [Roddick] is one of the best servers ever, so when he offered the advice I flew to his home and we made some magic. It was only two days there, but I think it was the most meaningful two days of practice that I’ve ever had.

“The way I was able to adjust it so quickly and for it to work right away was pretty seamless, so I really credit him and thank him for taking the time to do that.”

Equipped with a new and improved serve, fourth seed Gauff has hopes of going all the way in Melbourne, just as she did in New York last September.

The American said the experience at her home slam has given her a boost in confidence for the Australian Open, despite not playing her best tennis.

“I was a little nervous in the first round, but in the last two matches, I wasn’t nervous at all,” Gauff said. “It does give you a lot of confidence because I felt my best tennis I played last year was during the DC 500 tournament.

“I didn't even feel like I played my best during the US Open and it’s really those matches that you win when you’re not playing your best is what gives you that confidence.

“Going into this tournament, I know I can do it.”

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