Coco Gauff’s Evolving Game Aims for U.S. Open Success

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, once doubles partners, now face off as rivals on the tennis court. This summer, Gauff has dominated Pegula, famously battling back from a set down at Wimbledon and swiftly defeating her at the Cincinnati Open. In their past five encounters, Gauff triumphed over Pegula four times, evening their overall record at 5-5.

Gauff’s transformation since the previous U.S. Open is remarkable. She has focused on refining her serve and forehand, skills she candidly practiced even during high-pressure matches last year. A year later, Gauff is vastly different, an evolution not lost on Pegula, a close friend and observer of Gauff’s journey.

“She’s moving very well right now,” Pegula noted. “That, plus if she’s serving well, makes it … I mean, she’s really good.”

Gauff’s recent performance supports this assessment. Since Wimbledon, she played ten matches on North American hard courts, with only two extending to three sets. Her earlier encounters saw more grueling contests, indicating her current dominance and adaptability.

Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, enters the U.S. Open as the world No. 4. Known as one of tennis’s brightest stars, she ranks as the highest-paid female athlete globally. The Cincinnati Open final against Pegula became the most-watched women’s match in Tennis Channel’s history.

The U.S. Open holds particular significance for Gauff. The tournament commands large audiences at every match, with Gauff’s presence ensuring packed stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the pressure, Gauff remains unfazed, showcasing an improved serve that boosts her confidence.

Gauff’s statistics illustrate her growth. In 2026, she averaged four double faults per match, down from nine the previous year. She won 75% of points on her first serve, compared to 67% earlier, and 52% on her second serve, up from 37%. This improvement marks a substantial shift from previous performances, where second serves were unreliable.

Gauff’s path to success involved strategic adjustments. Her partnership with Coach Matt Daly focused on refining her grip and promoting more aggressive forehand play. Despite initial challenges, she achieved early wins at the Beijing Open and WTA Tour Finals. However, comprehensive changes came after hiring biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.

Under MacMillan’s guidance, Gauff tackled serve and forehand issues head-on. Her commitment was evident during intense practice sessions, showing her relentless drive to master complex skills. The transformation wasn’t instant, but persistence paid off. Her ability to generate powerful and consistent serves elevates her gameplay tremendously.

While Gauff’s serve shows substantial progress, challenges remain. She continues to lead the tour in double faults but averages under six per match. Her consistent ability to win through returns remains a strength, as she tops the rankings in return performance alongside Iga Świątek.

Pegula, who knows Gauff well, acknowledges the challenge heading to the U.S. Open. Gauff’s ability to defend and extend plays marks her as a formidable opponent in any match.

“The way that she’s able to defend out of the corners is better than anybody else, and that’s truly her strength,” Pegula said. “So when she’s doing that and is able to move forward and able to serve well and return well, … it becomes very difficult.”