Breaking
Tag

TENNIS

Browsing
TENNIS

Coco Gauff hopes to pull off a Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka with latest move

By
Coco Gauff Novak Djokovic Aryna Sabalenka

Coco Gauff is hoping to pull off a Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka as the American reveals she thought about those two stars when agreeing to give a shot to changing her serve. 

For more than two years, Gauff faced calls to bring in a biomechanics coach and make certain tweaks to her technique and service motion. And after mightily struggling with her serve for three months following her French Open victory, the world No. 3 parted ways with coach Matt Daly and hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.

Two months since adding MacMillan to her team, Gauff’s serve is already looking better. However, it is still far from perfect since she is basically learning on the go since the 2025 season is still ongoing.

US Open 2024 Day 3 predictions: Top five matches on August 28 featuring Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff & more

READ: As Coco Gauff Proves Serena Williams’ Former Coach

Before he became a part of Gauff’s team, MacMillan introduced himself to the tennis world big time in 2022 when he famously fixed Aryna Sabalenka’s major serving issues. The Belarusian has since won four Grand Slams and reached the world No. 1 ranking.

Gauff: Djokovic, Sabalenka had similar issues… I’ve drawn on those experiences

“I was looking at Novak and he’s someone who didn’t have as great of a serve in the beginning of his career, obviously different issue than me, but he just wasn’t serving as strong. And he made that change and has gone on to obviously be Novak Djokovic. And even at that time, he was still like a successful player. So yeah, I’ve drawn on those experiences. And obviously Aryna and Venus and those who’ve done those changes,” the 21-year-old told The National.

Gauff also highlighted that she is aware that her serve can’t be magically fixed overnight. However, the two-time Grand Slam champion believes in the process and looks at the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, Gauff got a bit of rest last week after winning Wuhan. Now, the American is preparing for the WTA Finals, where she will try to make it back-to-back wins at the season-ending tournament.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

As Coco Gauff Proves Serena Williams’ Former Coach

By
Coco Gauff

As Coco Gauff Proves Serena Williams’ Former Coach Correct With Wuhan Act, He Sends a Strong Message

By winning the Wuhan Open, her third WTA 1000 crown, Coco Gauff may have silenced doubts about her recent form. In doing so, the American seemingly validated Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci’s, advice to stay the course and not take a mid-season break.

What Did Rick Macci Say After Coco Gauff’s Wuhan Open Triumph?

While Stubbs had her own opinions about the world No. 3, veteran coach Macci took a different stance. The 70-year-old dismissed suggestions for Gauff to end her season, praising her emotional strength and determination to push through adversity.

Enigma' Coco Gauff leaves leading tennis voice concerned despite Wuhan win

READ: Coco Gauff Reacts to Angel Reese’s Stunning Victoria’s Secret

Moreover, the 21-year-old arrived in Wuhan clearly intending to silence doubts and reclaim her winning rhythm. Capping off a brilliant campaign, she defeated world No. 5 Jessica Pegula 6-4, 7-5 in an hour and 42 minutes, much to Macci’s delight.

The veteran coach praised Gauff for continuing to compete instead of taking a break, calling it a “gold nugget decision.” He emphasized that facing challenges head-on helps players improve faster.

“As I said many times, the best way to solve a problem is not to create a new one. Coco and her gold nugget decision to keep competing not retreating and giving the field a beating shows when you dive back in you learn quicker how to win,” he wrote on X. 

Gauff’s serve had been a glaring weakness this season, with double faults piling up at the highest rate. She brought renowned mentor and biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan on board to tackle it, significantly improving her technique. Macci also noted that her tossing arm was now perfectly positioned.

“The science based changes in Coco serve is a career saver. The start / cocking phase/ spine angle / launch point is 100% different and now the tossing arm is in the optimal place and the Delray Dart will have less doubles and on the first loaded to hit an ace. @CocoGauff,” he wrote in another post.

Gauff made history as the first player to claim the Wuhan Open without losing a set since its inception in 2014. With just 25 games lost, she recorded the Wuhan Open’s all-time low for a champion.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Coco Gauff praised for doing one thing better than any other player since Serena Williams on the WTA Tour

By

Rick Macci says Coco Gauff is the mentally strongest player since Serena Williams

Rick Macci, the legendary coach credited with assisting the Williams sisters during the early stages of their tennis careers, has discussed Gauff’s mental strength on social media.

The American, who has also coached Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, took to social media to express his opinion.

Coco Gauff Serena Williams

JUST IN: Serena Williams Turns Heads in Red Dress and Baby Adira Makes

On X [Twitter], Macci said: “Coco is the mentally strongest player we have seen since Serena.

“To deal with the doubles [double faults] and at times a shaky forehand, she just keeps locked in and knows how to win.

“Number one is down the street because she now has the serve, and the Delray Dart will be even tougher to beat.”

Macci also recently claimed that Gauff has saved her career after making some key technical changes to her serve.

Coco Gauff has 1,500 points to defend for the rest of the season

Coco Gauff has to defend points at only one more tournament in 2025.

Gauff will defend 1,500 points when she competes at the 2025 WTA Finals in November, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This is because Gauff won the WTA Finals in 2024.

In last year’s final, Gauff defeated third seed Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Why ‘very stubborn’ Coco Gauff wanted to prove her coach

By
Coco Gauff

Why ‘very stubborn’ Coco Gauff wanted to prove her coach wrong with Wuhan Open title

Coco Gauff revealed she is “very stubborn” as she explained why she was motivated to prove her coach Jean-Christophe Faurel wrong after her victory at the 2025 Wuhan Open.

The world No 3 overcame Jessica Pegula 6-4, 7-5 in the final in Wuhan to secure her maiden title at the tournament and her second title of 2025 after the French Open.

A new vision: How fresh coaching moves are shaping this year's WTA Finals

JUST IN: How Serena Williams Is Owning Her Self-Love Era

Gauff did not drop a set during her impressive run at the WTA 1000 event as she also saw off Jasmine Paolini, Laura Siegemund, Zhang Shuai and Moyuka Uchijima.

Prior to Wuhan, Gauff reached the semi-finals at the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing, where she fell to a heavy 1-6, 2-6 defeat to eventual champion Amanda Anisimova.

The two-time major champion arrived in Asia after a 3-6, 2-6 loss to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of the US Open. With the help of biomechanical expert Gavin MacMillan, who Gauff hired to replace her former coach Matt Daly, she changed her service motion in the week before the US Open.

Gauff has been coached by Jean-Christophe Faurel, a former French player, since 2019.

During the trophy ceremony in Wuhan, Gauff revealed Faurel did not want her to play in Asia after her difficult US Open campaign.

“It was a great Asian swing,” said the American.

“I’m going to call JC (Jean-Christophe Faurel) out. He originally didn’t want me to come because I had a tough US Open, but I had to prove him wrong.

“I’m a very stubborn person, so maybe he said that on purpose for me to have a good result here.”

The 21-year-old also spoke warmly about world No 6 Pegula — her former doubles partner.

“You’re the three-set queen, so I was determined not to let you get there today because I felt like the odds would be in your favour in the third set,” Gauff said to Pegula.

“When I came on tour, you were one of the first people to be nice to me and welcome me with open arms and that really goes a long way and still goes a long way, so I appreciate you.

“It’s great to finally play in a final against you and I hope for many more. It’s an honour to share the court with you.”

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

How Coco Gauff Matches Serena Williams’ Hardcourt Record

By
Coco Gauff Serena Williams

Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, won the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan. This is her tenth career title, nine of which were won on hard courts, allowing her to match Serena Williams’ record for hard-court titles.

On her path to the title she defeated three players outside the top 50: world No. 91 Miyu Uchijima, No. 142 Shuai Zhang, and No. 57 Laura Siegemund.

In the semifinal she faced the world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini and also defeated her in straight sets.

Coco Gauff Triumphs at WTA 1000 Wuhan, Matches Serena Williams' Hardcourt Record

READ: Serena Williams makes deeply honest confession about her early-career insecurities

Significance of the victory and records

In the final, Gauff faced Jessica Pegula and became champion, winning in two sets – 6-4, 7-5.

The match lasted 1 hour 44 minutes. Gauff recorded four aces, while Pegula failed to convert on break points. Gauff registered eight double faults, compared with two by her opponent.

This victory marked Gauff’s tenth career title and her third at WTA 1000 events. She matched Serena Williams’ achievement for titles on hard courts and became one of the few to win both Chinese WTA 1000 events – Beijing and Wuhan.

Gauff also set the age record as the youngest finalist at WTA 1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan; she is currently 21 years and 207 days old. She also qualified for the year-end WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh in early November.

“I want to thank my team – these have been wonderful Asian swings. I’m going to call JC [Jean-Christophe Faurel, Gauff’s coach]. At first, he didn’t want me to come to this tournament because I had a tough US Open. But I had to prove that he was wrong. I’m a very stubborn person. So maybe he said this on purpose so that I could achieve a good result here”,

– Coco Gauff

This moment is a testament to Gauff’s brilliant career and inspires American tennis to finish the season strongly.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Have we just witnessed the end of Novak Djokovic? Crushing realit

By
Novak Djokovic

We would not have predicted it would be world No 204 Valentin Vacherot who would give Novak Djokovic the reality check he was waiting for as he ponders the end of his tennis story.

Vacherot incredible win against Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters continued a truly remarkable week for the Monégasque player, as he is set to climb around 150 places in the ATP Rankings and secure more prize money this week than he had managed in his entire career up to this point.

The Vacherot story in Shanghai is one of the most remarkable of the 2025 season, as he has come through qualifying to reach the final of the ATP 1000 event in a week that will change the course of his career.

Novak Djokovic exhales

JUST IN: Serena Williams makes deeply honest confession about her early-career insecurities

Yet for Djokovic, this chastening defeat confirmed what has been evident for some time.

The heart and mind of this great champion are still willing to compete at the top, but his body is no longer allowing him to get through a tournament, with his 6-3, 6-4 defeat against Vacherot the latest nail in his ambitions.

With Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner out of Shanghai with injury issues, this felt like the week when Djokovic would win what may be a final ATP 1000 event of his remarkable career.

Yet the depleted and broken version of Djokovic who was unable to stay with a player ranked outside the top 200 in the world, should give him the reality check that he needed when he ponders what comes next.

Djokovic said after his US Open defeat against Alcaraz that he may no longer have the physical capacity to compete over five sets against young players who are at a different end of their careers.

The 38-year-old also suggested the best-of-three-set format may be his best hope of adding a few more trophy wins to his record, but even the shorter format appears to be beyond him now.

He was struggling from the off against Vacherot and while the underdog did well to hold his nerve and secure the biggest win of his career, the Djokovic he beat was a shadow of the legend who has dominated the sport for the last two decades.

Djokovic showed fight against Vacherot, but the tank was empty long before his serve was broken for a final time in the second set.

The Serbian will now head to Saudi Arabia to play in the Six Kings Slam, where he will collect $1.5m even if he needs to limp through a match in the exhibition event.

Then it will be decision time for Djokovic.

He will have a few weeks to ponder whether he will put in the preparation time required to play at the Australian Open in January.

The 25th Grand Slam title he is chasing is a dream that now looks set to be beyond him because if his failing body won’t allow him to compete over an extended ATP 1000 event played over three sets, the notion that he could get through seven rounds played over five sets to win seems impossible.

The game is up for Novak Djokovic, so don’t be surprised if a retirement announcement arrives before the end of the year.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams makes deeply honest confession about her early-career insecurities

By
Serena Williams

Serena Williams made quite a confession on the second episode of her podcast hosted with Venus as the former 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed she once thought she wouldn’t be that good or be able to legitimately challenge the top players.

After premiering their podcast named Stockton Street, Serena uploaded the latest episode of the podcast on her X account. During one segment, the 44-year-old opened up about the time she didn’t have much belief or confidence in herself.

“I sucked. I was bad. I didn’t have it. I only hit lobs. Remember, I only hit lobs. I was terrible. I mean, even when I first turned pro, I was really bad. Not that I didn’t, but I just thought I wasn’t that good. I thought I could outlast people because I was small at the time. I thought I could outlast them and just be out there. And yeah, I never really thought about it,” Serena admitted on Stockton Street.

Serena Williams makes deeply honest confession about her early-career insecurities

READ: Serena Williams Stuns In Teal Dress But That Asymmetrical Detail Is Everything

Serena Williams: Even after I picked the US Open to win, I didn’t believe that I would accomplish it

After Richard Williams heard about Serena’s insecurities, he told his daughters to pick a Grand Slam they would win. Venus picked Wimbledon, so Serena was told that she had to pick a different Major to win.

“Then, when dad told us to pick a tournament to win so we could focus on the goal, you picked Wimbledon too. And then he said I needed to pick something different. So I picked the US Open, but I didn’t really think I would make it,” the American tennis icon shared.

Well, it didn’t take long for Serena to convince herself that she definitely had what was required for her to win on the biggest level since she was just 17 when she defeated former world No. 1 Martina Hingis in the 1999 US Open final for her first Grand Slam win. Over the next 18 years, the American added 22 more Grand Slam titles to her collection, and ultimately finished as one of the greatest to have ever played the game.

When it specifically comes to the US Open, Serena Williams enjoyed six triumphs at Flushing Meadows.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Coco Gauff informed she has a ‘real problem’ as two areas she mu

By
Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff informed she has a ‘real problem’ as two areas she must improve are identified

Coco Gauff is safely through to the semi-final of the Wuhan Open, but the American has been urged to improve two parts of her game.

Gauff has come through a difficult draw in Wuhan to continue her excellent form on the WTA Tour’s Asian leg.

The American has defeated Laura Siegemund, Zhang Shuai, and Moyuka Uchijima at the Wuhan Open, and she has dropped just nine games in the process.

Coco Gauff says the China Open feels like a 'practice tournament' as she admits she doesn't know how to feel right now

JUST IN: Serena Williams Stuns In Teal Dress But That Asymmetrical Detail Is Everything

Despite her dominance in Wuhan, Sky Sports commentator Colin Fleming has pointed out two areas where Gauff can improve.

Colin Fleming urges Coco Gauff to improve her second serve and forehand

Gauff has already won several Grand Slams, but she’s never been able to capture the top spot of the WTA Tour rankings.

Fleming believes that Gauff must work on her second serve, as well as her forehand, in order to challenge Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the top.

“You look at the top 50 WTA players this season, Coco Gauff has won 43% of second serve points in total. That puts her 47 out of 50, which for someone of her ranking is a real problem,” said Fleming on Sky Sports commentary duties.

The star’s double faults have become an unfortunate part of the American’s game, but Fleming pointed out one silver lining.

“When the second serve has gone into play, she’s won 58% of those points, which puts her third out of the top 50. So if she can just get a more reliable second serve, it’s huge for her,” he said.

“You’re talking more slams, you’re talking push toward World No. 1, and if you can do the same and make the forehand just a little bit more reliable and cleaner, then you’re seriously in business.”

“The strengths are there for all to see: the movement, the fighting spirit, her ability to figure matches out, her backhand, her volleys. So many strengths.”

Gauff is currently World No. 3 and captured her second Grand Slam of her career at Roland Garros earlier this year.

Coco Gauff reaches 12th WTA-1000 semi-final

Despite her experience on the tour, Gauff is still only 21 years old and her latest win in Wuhan has broken another Serena Williams and Venus Williams record.

Gauff’s route to the final four of the Wuhan Open is the 12th WTA 1000 semi-final of her career, which is one more than the Williams sisters before they were 22.

However, Gauff has only managed to turn two of those semi-final appearances into wins, at the 2023 Cincinnati Open and the 2024 China Open.

The American has also lost two WTA 1000 finals this year at the Madrid Open to Sabalenka and the Italian Open to Jasmine Paolini.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Aryna Sabalenka admits why she cannot reach Serena Williams’ Grand Slam success

By
Aryna Sabalenka Serena Williams

Aryna Sabalenka had a very candid response to being asked about the possibility of reaching Serena Williams’ heights as the Belarusian admitted that pulling off the American’s Grand Slam record was not possible for her.

Since 2023, Sabalenka has made seven Grand Slam finals and won four titles on the biggest stage. While the current top-ranked WTA star is by far one of the most accomplished players of her generation, she is still 19 Slams away from matching Williams’ record of 23. Also, she is 20 Majors away from leveling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.

Considering that Sabalenka – who turned 27 in May – is still very much in her prime and has at least a couple of more strong years ahead of her – all the chances are that she will add more success to her portfolio before she retires.

Aryna Sabalenka admits she cannot reach Serena Williams' Grand Slam success

JUST IN: Only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have beaten Iga Swiatek to key milestone after latest win in Wuhan

Sabalenka: I want to break records but it’s really tough to compete with Williams’ 23 Grand Slams

“Of course, I want to (break records), but it’s going to be really tough to compete with the Grand Slam titles that Serena has. I guess for me, the goal is to go as far as I can in this sport, and I do my best every day. I dedicate my life to the sport. So I really hope that by the end of my career, I’ll sit back, I’ll look at my results, and I’ll be really proud of myself,” the Belarusian tennis star admitted.

After losing in three Grand Slam finals early in her career, Sabalenka made her big breakthrough at the 2023 Australian Open. Since then, the 27-year-old has won another Australian Open title in 2024, as well as back-to-back US Open titles in 2024 and 2025.

When it comes to the remaining two Grand Slams, Sabalenka lost her first French Open final this year to Coco Gauff. At Wimbledon, the world No. 1 is consistently making deep runs but just can’t make it past the semifinal stage – her last three campaigns at The Championships ended in the semis.

Keep Reading
By
CELEB NEWS

Only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have beaten Iga Swiatek to key milestone after latest win in Wuhan

By
Iga Swiatek Serena Williams Maria Sharapova

Iga Swiatek navigated her way past a tricky opponent to advance at the Wuhan Open on Thursday.

Swiatek, who made history after her round of 32 triumph, defeated Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic 7-6, 6-4.

The Pole, who is attempting to chase down Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one spot, will be hoping to capture a third WTA Tour title of 2025 following successes at Wimbledon and in Korea.

US Open: Iga Swiatek reveals Serena Williams conversation that inspired her to third round victory | SportsRation

READ: Coco Gauff was ‘obsessed’ with one item of clothing – until her

The six-time Grand Slam champion is already a great of the sport, despite being just 24 years old.

And, following her victory over Bencic, she has again forced herself into a conversation with two legends of the sport.

Iga Swiatek has reached 25 WTA 1000 quarter-finals in just 41 matches

Iga Swiatek has continued to shine on the WTA Tour, and her fans will be delighted to read about the Pole’s latest milestone.

As per OptaAce, since the format’s introduction in 2009, only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have managed 25 quarter-finals in fewer WTA-1000 main draws than Iga Swiatek.

Swiatek has achieved the feat after 41 matches.

Comparatively, Williams and Sharapova accomplished this total after 32 and 39 matches, respectively.

Swiatek will feel confident heading into the quarter-final, as she is playing a rival whom she has never lost to.

In fact, Jasmine Paolini has only won one set against Swiatek.

Will Jasmine Paolini finally defeat Iga Swiatek?

Jasmine Paolini has failed to defeat Iga Swiatek once in six attempts, dating back to 2018.

During their last contest in the 2025 Cincinnati Open final, Paolini led Swiatek by a break in the first set, before losing 7-5, 6-4.

Paolini advanced to the Wuhan Open quarter-finals earlier on Thursday after 10th seed Clara Tauson retired during the third set of their match.

Paolini will hope her fortunes change during their quarter-final clash in Wuhan, set to take place on Friday.

Keep Reading
By