US Open 2026: Coco Gauff shows rejuvenated serve is a weapon in win over Zeynep Sonmez
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Coco Gauff has overcome her serving struggles from last year, returning to the US Open with a significantly improved and more confident serve that was key to her first-round win over Zeynep Sonmez.
- After hiring biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan last year, Gauff focused on refining her serve technique, leading to greater consistency, accuracy, and the ability to hit powerful serves close to the line.
- The improvements helped Gauff win the Cincinnati Open earlier this month, and her serve now wins her a high percentage of points, as demonstrated by her dominant performance in the opening match at Flushing Meadows.
- Gauff’s mental approach to serving has shifted dramatically; she now confidently aims for high-speed serves, whereas last year she struggled with pressure and uncertainty during matches.
- With this renewed weapon, Gauff is poised to advance further in the US Open, facing either Paula Badosa or Daria Kasatkina in the next round.
