Coco Gauff’s preparation for Wimbledon has been far from ideal.
The American has played one grass-court match in the lead-up to the major event, losing to Paula Badosa at the Berlin Open.
Remarkably, Gauff has not won a match on the surface since the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
Who will win the women’s Wimbledon title this year?
Vote now!
The American needs to make changes to her game on the surface – and fast – if she wishes to have a successful campaign at Wimbledon this year.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Wimbledon, Gauff noted the adjustment she is looking to make in south-west London.
Coco Gauff is looking to make an adjustment to her serve at Wimbledon
“Yeah, we don’t have the best relationship,” Gauff said of the grass surface during her pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon.
“But no, I always have, like, fond memories on the grass. I obviously had a couple fourth rounds here. I definitely think that I have the ability to play on it. I think it’s more about the confidence.
“Also, I’m not going to lie, I haven’t [had] the best draws here at Wimbledon. I think that’s also been tough.
“Yeah, something that I’m learning to play on. I don’t think it’s a natural surface for me, but we’re going to make it natural (smiling).”
Gauff was then asked to detail how she plans to become a ‘natural’ on the grass.
“Just keep playing on it. Trial and error, just learning,” she said.
“I definitely think I’ve been practicing so far the best I’ve had since playing Wimbledon.
“Does that mean I’m going to play great on Monday? I don’t know, I hope so.
“I think just really focusing on the footwork, the game style, and really trying to find my grass identity.”
Gauff then detailed the adjustment she is looking to make at this year’s Wimbledon event.
What does Coco Gauff need to change to become a contender on grass?
She's out of the Berlin Open…
“I think going for my serve more is something I regret maybe not doing as much of Roland Garros,” she added. “Obviously on grass it can do more damage. I think that’s another thing I’ve been trying to work on the last couple of weeks.”
Gauff’s serve has been under constant scrutiny for the best part of a year.
The American was frequently hitting double-digit double fault numbers during matches, prompting her to hire biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan.
During her last match against Paula Badosa, Gauff struck 12 aces but also hit seven double faults during the three-set contest.
Coco Gauff’s Wimbledon draw
Gauff will kick off her Wimbledon campaign against Tamara Korpatsch on Monday afternoon.
If Gauff advances, she will play either Solana Sierra or Anna Bondar in the second round.
From there, Gauff could play Ann Li in the third round and Belinda Bencic in the fourth round.
A quarter-final appearance would likely see Gauff face compatriot Jessica Pegula.
Gauff is projected to play Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals and Elena Rybakina in the final.
The American will hope to improve upon her performance at last year’s event – she was defeated in the first round by Dayana Yastremska.
