**Coco Gauff Reveals ‘Focus’ for Improvement as She Unveils New Coach**
Coco Gauff, one of the brightest young stars in women’s tennis, recently made a significant change to her coaching team as she continues to fine-tune her game and strive for further success on the WTA Tour.
The 19-year-old American has become a household name since bursting onto the scene at just 15, but she believes there is still plenty of room for improvement as she navigates the transition from teenage sensation to a consistent top-tier competitor.
In a candid interview, Gauff shared insights into her decision to bring in a new coach and discussed the specific areas of her game she plans to focus on moving forward.
### **A New Partnership for a New Chapter**
Gauff’s decision to shake up her coaching team comes after a series of mixed results over the past season.
While she has shown flashes of brilliance, including a deep run at the French Open and strong performances at other marquee events, she has also encountered some tough losses that exposed certain vulnerabilities in her game.
This prompted Gauff to re-evaluate her coaching setup and ultimately led her to hire Pere Riba, a respected Spanish coach known for his analytical approach and emphasis on tactical discipline.
Riba, who previously worked with several promising players on the ATP and WTA circuits, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Gauff’s game.
His expertise in movement, shot selection, and mental resilience aligns well with Gauff’s desire to elevate her overall performance and consistency.
Gauff expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing that it represents a new chapter in her career.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Pere,” Gauff stated. “I feel like he brings a different outlook to my game. He’s someone who’s really detail-oriented, and I think that’s what I need right now.
I’ve been working on certain aspects of my game, and he’s already identified a few areas where we can make improvements. I’m looking forward to this new journey and seeing where we can go together.”
### **Targeting Specific Areas for Growth**
While Gauff has always been lauded for her incredible athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, and tenacity on the court, she is acutely aware of the areas in which she can enhance her performance.
During the interview, Gauff highlighted a few key aspects of her game that she and Riba will be focusing on, including her serve, mental approach, and court positioning.
“My serve has always been a work in progress,” Gauff admitted. “It’s a weapon for me, but I’ve had some inconsistencies with it, especially in high-pressure situations.
With Pere, we’re looking at making small technical tweaks and also working on the mental side—how I approach my serve in key moments. I know if I can improve that, it will take a lot of pressure off the rest of my game.”
Another focus area for Gauff is her ability to adapt during matches. She acknowledged that there have been instances where she felt she was too rigid with her game plan and struggled to make necessary adjustments when opponents targeted her weaknesses.
With Riba’s guidance, Gauff aims to become more versatile and tactically astute, ensuring she can effectively counter any strategy thrown at her.
“I think I’ve sometimes been a bit stubborn with my game,” she said with a laugh. “I want to be more adaptable and read the game better.
Pere’s been great in helping me see things differently and not get stuck in one way of thinking. We’re working on developing different strategies for different opponents, and I feel like that’s going to make a big difference.”
### **Emphasizing the Mental Aspect**
In addition to the technical and tactical elements, Gauff and Riba have placed a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game.
As a young player who has already experienced immense success and intense scrutiny, Gauff has dealt with the pressures of the spotlight and high expectations from an early age.
While she has shown remarkable composure for someone her age, she acknowledged that maintaining mental strength and clarity is a constant battle.
“Sometimes I feel like people forget that I’m still learning, still growing,” Gauff said thoughtfully. “There’s always this expectation for me to win every match or go deep in every tournament, but that’s not always realistic.
I’m learning to manage that pressure and not let it affect me on the court. With Pere, we’re working on staying in the moment, keeping things simple, and just enjoying the process.”
Riba’s experience in helping players maintain a positive mindset and manage expectations is expected to be invaluable for Gauff. The duo has already begun implementing routines and exercises aimed at enhancing Gauff’s focus and resilience, ensuring she stays mentally engaged and confident regardless of the match situation.
### **Gauff’s Evolving Approach**
Gauff’s willingness to make changes and seek new perspectives speaks to her maturity and determination to maximize her potential.
While she has already achieved milestones that many players dream of—such as reaching a Grand Slam final and consistently being ranked in the top 10—Gauff is not content with past successes.
Her decision to hire Riba reflects her desire to continue evolving and pushing herself to become the best player she can be.
“I’m not satisfied with where I am right now,” Gauff stated firmly. “I know I have the ability to do more, to win more titles, and to be a consistent threat at every tournament. This change is part of that process.
I want to be a player that people don’t just talk about for potential but for achievements.”
Gauff’s ambition and drive have always been evident, but with the addition of Riba to her coaching team, she hopes to channel those qualities in a more structured and efficient manner.
By targeting specific areas for improvement and focusing on her mental approach, Gauff believes she can elevate her game to new heights and contend for the biggest titles on a regular basis.
### **Looking Ahead**
The tennis world will be watching closely to see how Gauff’s game evolves under Riba’s guidance.
While the immediate results may not be the sole measure of their partnership’s success, Gauff is optimistic that the long-term benefits will be significant. As she continues to navigate the challenges of the professional circuit and refine her skills, Gauff’s journey promises to be one of continual growth and self-discovery.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” Gauff concluded. “There will be ups and downs, but I’m confident that I’m on the right path. With Pere’s support and guidance, I feel like I’m in a great place to take my game to the next level.”
As Coco Gauff embarks on this new chapter with a renewed sense of focus and purpose, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how her partnership with Pere Riba unfolds.
With her undeniable talent, determination, and the added expertise of her new coach, Gauff’s quest for greatness is set to continue, and it’s clear that she is far from reaching her full potential.
