Coco Gauff silenced her doubters last week with an impressive run to the Miami Open final.
Gauff, the new world number three, won four three-set matches on her way to the final before losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff’s Miami campaign was the perfect preparation for the clay-court season, during which the 21-year-old is defending over 3,000 WTA ranking points.
Gauff has struggled for consistency over the past year, particularly on her serve; and this has led onlookers to question the American’s Grand Slam credentials moving forward.
Is Coco Gauff the third-best player on the WTA Tour? 🤔
If not, who is?
We asked you, the Tennishead readers, to predict whether Gauff will win a Grand Slam title this year in a TalkingPoints poll.
And, after analysing the results, it appears tennis fans have one clear answer to that question.
Tennishead readers believe Coco Gauff will win a Grand Slam this year
Despite her mixed form to start the year, Tennishead readers are convinced that Coco Gauff will lift a major trophy in 2026.
After more than 650 votes on the TalkingPoints poll, almost 69 per cent of contributors believe Coco Gauff will win a Grand Slam title this year.
At the time of writing, 428 of the 621 contributors have faith in Gauff lifting a major title this year.
The readers’ conclusion was encapsulated by Callum Davies, who commented: “I think she could win Roland Garros again, or even US Open. She should only get better as the season goes on with serve and forehand.”
However, some contributors, like Liam McMillen and Peter Lynch disagreed, with McMillen arguing that the level of competition on the WTA Tour may prevent Gauff from capturing a third major title.
Gauff’s best chance of winning a major title could be at the French Open.
The American has a natural affinity with the surface, as demonstrated by her title-winning Roland Garros campaign last year.
Clay is the surface best suited to Gauff’s game: the 21-year-old is one of the quickest players on Tour, and her ability to fight for every single ball is accentuated on the red dirt.
Coco Gauff’s first Grand Slam title
Coco Gauff won her maiden Grand Slam title in front of American fans at the 2023 US Open.
The young American upset the odds, coming from a set down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the final.
“I mean, it doesn’t get more dramatic than that to be honest,” Gauff told reporters in her post-match press conference.
“Yeah, I went to the bathroom and I used the bathroom because I was nervous. I was washing my hands, I put some water on my face, and I was, like, Okay, I’ve got to just reset and redo it.
“Today I went into this match like it was any other match. I honestly wasn’t nervous going in.
“She was just playing great tennis, and I knew today was going to be one of those problem-solving tough matches because she’s a tough opponent so I’m obviously happy with the result.”
