Serena Williams’ coach, Rennae Stubbs, recently shared a concerning verdict on Coco Gauff ahead of Wimbledon, pointing to potential challenges the American could face on grass. The American is currently preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam, which is slated for Monday, June 29 to July 12, 2026.
After her surprise early exit at Roland Garros, Gauff began her grass-court season at the Berlin Open. However, her campaign ended in the opening round after her loss to Paula Badosa. Despite taking the first set in dominant fashion, the American could not maintain the momentum, with Badosa fighting back in the next two sets, claiming a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.
The 22-year-old hasn’t won a grass-court singles match since 2024, and ahead of Gauff’s Wimbledon campaign, Stubbs suggested that the grass-court season could be a major test for the American. Speaking on the latest episode of her podcast, she reflected on the player’s latest loss and highlighted concerns about her forehand on grass and also pointed to her second serve as a weakness.
While praising her first serve, Williams’ coach opined that she has to focus on her second serve, stating that her weaknesses are ‘exposed’ more on the grass court.
“I think the bottom line is with Coco is that her forehand grip is always going to be a problem on grass. A very extreme Western grip on a fast surface is not idea,” said Stubbs.
She added:
“Look, she’s had some good wins on grass, but she has to serve very well, and the first serve is very good, but the second serve tends to sit there. Unfortunately, her weaknesses on grass are exposed a lot more than they are on a hard court or on a clay court. So, listen, more power to her, I hope she can get through some of these bigger matches against big hitting players, but certainly grass is going to be a test for her.”
“I know it’s not grass”- Coco Gauff revealed her favorite surface to play on
Before her Berlin Open campaign, Coco Gauff sat for a conversation with WTA, where she was asked about her favorite surface to play on. Clearly rejecting the grass court as being her favorite, she revealed that hardcourt is her favorite surface as she grew up on it.
“Well, I know it’s not grass. Okay. My favorite surface to play on. Um I’m going to go just go hardcourt because I feel like I grew up on that surface. However, I do really well in clay, too. I mean, my favorite surface, I think, has shifted throughout my career. Like, sometimes I think it’s hard and then sometimes it’s clay and everybody’s like, “She’s a clay court player.” But then I won my first slam hard. So, I feel like I have to say hardcourtCoco Gauff cuz that’s like my roots,” said Coco Gauff.
Coco Gauff opened her 2026 season at the Australian Open, where she advanced to the quarterfinals but fell against against Elina Svitolina.
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