As the North American hard-court swing begins, Coco Gauff is back in the spotlight—this time as the top seed at the Canadian Open. With Aryna Sabalenka absent from the tournament, all eyes are on the reigning US Open champion to make a bold statement in Montreal. Gauff, who has steadily cemented her place as one of the fiercest competitors on tour, is returning with fresh energy and a secret she believes could give her the edge.
A clean slate and a clear intention
At just 20 years old, Gauff has already dealt with a mountain of pressure throughout her career. But instead of crumbling, she continues to evolve. From her breakthrough at Wimbledon as a teenager to her triumphant US Open title last year, Gauff has proven that she thrives under expectation.
Ahead of her Canadian Open campaign, she admitted that the change in surfaces—from grass to hard courts—can be tricky, but it’s something she’s preparing for with clarity and confidence.
“Tennis forces you to adapt all the time to new situations, so you always have to be prepared for those changes,” Coco Gauff said, underlining her readiness. “Now my intention is to repeat the same move and have a good North American tour on hard courts.”
The 'secret' behind Coco Gauff's preparation
What sets Gauff apart, according to her, is something many players might overlook—her foundation on clay courts. While clay is typically viewed as a slower, more demanding surface, Coco Gauff has discovered it offers a lasting advantage even when transitioning to faster hard courts.
“The secret is in all the previous work, both on the court and with my physical trainer in the gym,” she revealed. “The time on clay still has a very important effect due to the mobility that is needed to move well on clay.”
That mobility, combined with her intense fitness regimen, has allowed Gauff to approach this phase of the season with a unique level of sharpness. Her adaptability and mental resilience are quickly becoming hallmarks of her game—qualities that will be crucial as she leads the field in Montreal.
A legacy in the making
Having already conquered New York and made deep runs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Coco Gauff is quietly piecing together a legacy few in her generation can match. With her eyes firmly set on the Canadian Open trophy, she’s not just chasing another title—she’s building momentum toward something bigger.