'Even more than the serve': Former world number one highlights one area Coco Gauff must improve ahead of French Open

Former world number one Tracy Austin has highlighted one area where Coco Gauff needs to work on if she wants to win the French Open this year. The second Grand Slam of the year is set to begin in less than 10 days’ time where players from all over the world will participate to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

In the women’s singles category, Poland’s Iga Swiatek will be defending her title. She lifted it last year after beating Italy’s Jasmin Paolini in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-1. Even though the Polish tennis star will be defending her crown at this year’s Roland Garros, her recent form suggests that she will not be among the leading contenders going into the event.

One of the players who will be amongst the top contenders to go all the way and lift the title will be America’s Gauff. The 21-year-old had an impressive outing last year as well, but her journey ended in the semifinals after she lost to Swiatek in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4. Former world number one Austin recently spoke to the Tennis Channel, where she highlighted one area where Gauff needs to work if she wants to lift her first-ever French Open title this year.

“I think Coco Gauff [to challenge for RG] first of all as well. I think Coco has really changed the dynamic and the conversation since Madrid,” she said. “I think it all comes down to the forehand. That’s the tipping point shot. When she is backing up on her forehand, your racket head has to be squared up for contact. When she’s backing up it kind of opens it and it’s hard to manipulate with your hand. It’s just a more defensive position. When Coco’s stepping in and finding the right balance, finding the right contact point on the forehand, she’s offensive, dictating play. Even more than the serve now it comes down to the forehand.”