Coco Gauff’s ability to win matches even during her off days has earned her praise from tennis legend Andy Roddick, who dedicated a portion of his podcast to discussing the American’s tactical masterclass.
From her ability to extend rallies and force her opponents into hitting risky shots to changing her style mid-match when things are not going well, Roddick noted that Gauff possesses the ability to win a match in multiple ways.
On the latest episode of his “Served With Andy Roddick” podcast published on July 16, the former Grand Slam winner said that Gauff’s performance directly impacts her opponents. Roddick believes that the 22-year-old’s speed and defensive skills force her opponents to hit extra shots compared to what they are normally used to, and when that is repeated through multiple sets, those extra shots can increase their chances of committing errors, thereby indirectly benefiting Gauff.
“Here’s the thing with Coco. There are a couple of details here that are important. If you’re having to hit three or four extra shots per rally, and you expand that over three sets, guess what that means? Means you’re going to make more errors ’cause you’re hitting more balls. So, simply that. and also when someone’s as fast as Coco, if you do have a chance, you tend to go for more because you know that’s what it takes against someone who is so good defensively,” said Roddick (12:05).
Roddick added that Gauff can create unique situations to win even when she is not playing well. He believes that Gauff can change her style depending on how the match is unfolding. She can serve big and hit powerful shots if her aggressive style works; otherwise, she has no problem playing a slow game and relying completely on her speed and defense. He said:
“The third point that I think is a very important to make is Coco, if she’s playing badly, she is able to mix it up and beat you a lot of different ways. She kind of brings your level down with hers, and I don’t say that as an insult, that is a compliment, that is a skill. She is able to do that. She has a couple of plans, right? Everything is going well, hit big, serve big, all that. If the doubles are coming, kick the first serve in. If I’m missing my forehand, all right, I’m not scared to just kind of slice it in the middle of the court because I know that I can play defense.”
Roddick summed it up by explaining that Coco Gauff has great talent, adapting her game as a match unfolds, and will do everything in her power to disrupt her opponents’ rhythm, making sure that if she does not have a good day on court, her opponent will also feel the heat.
Coco Gauff’s First Wimbledon Quarterfinal and Semifinal Appearance
Since making her debut at the All England Club in 2019, Coco Gauff finally broke through to reach her first quarterfinal and semifinal of Wimbledon this year for the first time. Before this, the 22-year-old had a hard time even getting past the round of 16 in London, but this year changed everything.
The American enjoyed a strong run at Wimbledon this year, and after beating Belinda Bencic in the fourth round in three sets, Gauff punched her first ticket to the quarterfinals of SW19. The debut proved great, as she beat Jessica Pegula in three sets, which ultimately helped her reach her first semifinal of Wimbledon.
Despite losing to Karolina Muchova in three sets, Gauff held herself high and cherished her deep run at Wimbledon this year.
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