In the dynamic world of tennis, players are constantly seeking ways to enhance their skills and gain a competitive edge. One rising star, Coco Gauff, has openly expressed her admiration for Novak Djokovic, particularly hailing him as the best returner in the game. In her quest to elevate her own return game, Gauff has diligently studied Djokovic’s techniques, pinpointing key aspects that she aims to incorporate into her own style.
Gauff, known for her precocious talent and fearless approach on the court, acknowledges the significance of shortening the swing in the art of returning serves. She has closely observed Djokovic’s gameplay, recognizing the efficiency of his abbreviated swings during returns. In her own words, “If you look at his swings on the returns, it’s not like full cuts. It’s a lot shorter & abbreviated to when he actually hits.”
The young American phenom is captivated by Djokovic’s ability to use an opponent’s pace against them. Gauff emphasizes the strategic advantage of employing a more compact swing, particularly when facing formidable servers who deliver powerful shots. Djokovic’s prowess in harnessing the pace of the incoming serve has not only set him apart but has also become a source of inspiration for aspiring talents like Gauff.
Reflecting on the intricacies of returning serves, Gauff shares her insights, stating, “I realize when you’re serving, someone is serving hard, you can just use their pace against them. I think that’s the model.” This acknowledgment highlights Gauff’s understanding of the tactical aspect of return play – a skill that can turn the tables in a match and leave opponents scrambling to react.
While Gauff acknowledges that emulating Djokovic’s style is not always a straightforward task, she remains dedicated to honing her skills through relentless practice. The commitment to refining her return game serves as a testament to Gauff’s determination to continually evolve as a player.
In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s admiration for Novak Djokovic and her intentional efforts to incorporate his techniques into her game underscore the dynamic nature of tennis as a sport. As the young prodigy strives to unlock the art of return, the influence of tennis greats like Djokovic serves as a guiding light in her journey toward excellence on the court.
Gauff at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
WWLWWLWWWW At the moment ranked no.4, Gauff has achieved an overall 7-0 win-loss record in 2024. Coco is playing at the Australian Open where she bested the world no.68 Anna Schmiedlova 6-3 6-0 and the world no.43 Caroline Dolehide 7-62 6-2.
Coco Gauff will fight against the world no.82 Alycia Parks in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other up to now in top competitions.
The American clinched 1 title in 2024 in Auckland.
Coco won 7 titles in her career: 5 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Djokovic at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Currently the world no.1, the Serbian achieved a compiled 4-1 win-loss record in 2024. The Serbian is now competing at the Australian Open where he toppled the world no.187 Dino Prizmic 6-2 6-75 6-3 6-4 and the world no.43 Alexei Popyrin 6-3 4-6 7-64 6-3.
Novak Djokovic will square off with the world no.32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the 3rd round. Their head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic.
Novak won 98 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 19 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon) on the 1st of July and U.S. Open (U.S. Open) on the 26th of August.
