World No. 4 tennis prodigy Coco Gauff is approaching the Australian Open with a formidable new asset: supreme self-assurance. The 21-year-old American sensation has declared her current training sessions to be the finest of her career, instilling in her the conviction that she can triumph over any opponent on the global stage—a sentiment she admits was absent just twelve months ago.
Gauff’s revelation comes amid a mixed campaign with Team USA at the United Cup in Sydney, where they have advanced to the semi-finals with a chance to defend their title. Fresh off a decisive straight-sets victory over Greece’s Maria Sakkari, which countered a surprising loss in her previous match, Gauff is sharpening her skills for the first Grand Slam of the year.
Reflecting on her evolution, Gauff emphasized her personal growth and adaptive mindset. Following an intense practice session at Ken Rosewall Arena, she explained, ‘I approach each year differently because I’m growing as a person. I learn from the previous year and try to adjust, but the core principle now is trusting the process and the work I’ve put in.’
This renewed mentality marks a significant shift from 2023, a season of contrasts that included a spectacular French Open victory but also early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open. Now, with a refined perspective and powerful game, Gauff aims to set a dominant tone for her entire season starting with the United Cup finals and extending into the Australian Open, where she is projected to be a top contender.