WTA Finals Player Profile: Coco Gauff

Current Ranking: 3

W/L: 49-14

Titles: 4 (Auckland, Washington DC, Cincinnati, US Open)

Grand Slam Record: 14-3

WTA Finals Appearance: 2

Best Result: Group Stage (2022)

When a teenager breaks through and wins her first Grand Slam title, it’s generally accompanied with a sense of amazement. For Coco Gauff it was more a feeling of inevitability. That’s because ever since Gauff got to the third round at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old, her eventual crowning felt a foregone conclusion.

However, it didn’t always look as though 2022 would be the year. Gauff got bounced in the fourth round in Australia (vs. Jelena Ostapenko), the QF in Paris (vs. Iga Swiatek), and suffered a crushing first-round loss in Wimbledon to fellow American Sofia Kenin. Her lone tournament title to that point had been a WTA 250 event in Auckland, in which she didn’t face an opponent inside the Top 60. If anything, the season was chalking up to be a setback.

After the disappointment in London, Gauff brought coach Brad Gilbert into the fold. Known for his Xs-and-Os acumen, Gilbert worked on game-planning and instilling confidence in Gauff. She found more consistency in her forehand and second serve, and focused her attack around her incredible wheels, athleticism and determination.

Gauff had to endure Gilbert’s trademark verbosity, but his presence had an obvious impact. She went on a summer hard court tear winning in Washington D.C., Cincinnati, and culminating in her comeback victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open finals. All in all, Gauff finished the season a sparkling 22-2 over her last five events.

Grab Gauff’s Gear

New Balance Coco CG1 ($170) (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

It’s rare for a tennis player to get a signature shoe, but even before she became a household name New Balance recognized Gauff was a star. Inspired by basketball shoes and 90’s style, the unisex shoe delivers the superior performance required for one of the game’s great movers. The Fit Weave Lite woven upper delivers support and a locked-in fit. FuelCell cushioning soaks up court contact for a comfortable ride, while the Energy Arc carbon creates structure and rebound into each stride. A six-month outsole warranty means it’s built to last. Many of the editions have colorways that are as bold and dynamic as its namesake. The tongue has Gauff’s signature, and the front of the shoe sports a quote from her father, Corey, which reads, “You can change the world with your racket.”

Heady words for a teenager with the world at her feet.