Coco Gauff has become one of the media darlings of the 2019 U.S. Open. As the youngest player in the courts, it is essential for the 15-year old player to have the right support system behind her. Lucky for her, her coach is someone who has an incredibly close relationship with her too.
How Coco Gauff’s father helps his daughter
Recently, Paul Annacone, who once served as a coach to Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, had an interview with Coco Gauff’s father, Corey. As her coach, he has a big role in Coco’s career and his coaching style will impact how the American star will fare in the tournaments. The fact that he is her father and coach at the same time also adds a new dynamic to their relationship. In his interview with Annacone, he has revealed four principles that help him be a better coach to Coco:
-
Properly juggling the role of father and coach
He said that juggling the role of coach and father at the same time is learned behavior. It is especially helpful for him to be calm during matches because it also helps Coco be calm, which helps her be better on the court.
-
Having her take responsibility of her own decisions
As far as dealing with her daughter’s newfound fame, Corey talked to Coco about the pressures that come with handling her reputation as a star. He admits that he told Coco that she has a lot of room to improve and that she should never lose sight of her goals.
-
Doing the suggestive coaching for Coco
Corey acknowledged that he came from a different generation that values a more command-centered system. But with Coco, it is better to do suggestive coaching because it helps her take more ownership of her gameplay. Usually, he gives her two or three options on what to do and then she decides from there.
-
Not overcoaching
Corey said that he did not want to do things his way 100 percent of the time. Instead, he gave her the right knowledge and tools so that Coco can help decide the best course of action.
Gauff’s Osaka: the battle of the young stars
In other related news, Gauff will be facing another young star in the third round of the U.S. Open, defending champion Naomi Osaka. In what is already being billed as one of the most highly-anticipated matches in the whole tournament, it is further proof that the women’s tennis fans are thirsty for more superstars in the sport that they love. The two young women seem to be on their way to being the new tennis aces that everyone will root for.
Cori Gauff’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.140 (career-high), Gauff played her last match on the 31st of August when she lost Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-0 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open.
