Coco Gauff recently shared a surprising and delightful story about her experience with Serena Williams, including how Serena became an unexpected “stunt double” figure in Coco’s tennis journey.
Gauff, who has idolized Williams for years, revealed how learning from Serena’s wisdom has influenced her approach to facing top players, including Iga Świątek, who has been one of Gauff’s most formidable rivals.
Gauff described a unique training session with Williams, during which Serena played the role of a ‘stunt double’—a term Gauff used to refer to Serena’s ability to mimic the pressure and high stakes of matches against players like Świątek.
Serena’s intense practice style and strategic insights during this session allowed Gauff to better understand the mental fortitude needed to face dominant players on the court.
In her own words, Gauff explained that Serena shared secrets about staying composed in crucial moments, particularly during big points when opponents are at their strongest.
Serena advised her to never show signs of frustration or intimidation, a psychological tactic that can unsettle opponents and give Gauff a mental edge. Williams emphasized that a player’s body language could affect the match’s tone, and Gauff now uses these tips to maintain her cool, especially when rallying back from tough positions.
Furthermore, Gauff spoke about the technical tips Serena provided, focusing on how to counteract Świątek’s powerful forehand and handle her unpredictable footwork. Serena shared drills that Gauff could incorporate into her training, designed specifically to improve her timing and response to Świątek’s aggressive plays.
These pointers have made a noticeable difference, helping Gauff bring more variety to her shots and better withstand long rallies, which Świątek often uses to tire out opponents.
Gauff also highlighted how Serena’s advice to trust her instincts rather than overanalyze during gameplay was transformative.
Gauff shared that before meeting with Serena, she tended to second-guess her moves against Świątek, leading to hesitation and missed opportunities.
Serena’s advice to trust her gut has helped Coco make quicker decisions and play more assertively, particularly in high-pressure moments.
The young star described Serena’s mentorship as instrumental in her recent successes. Gauff said that while she still has much respect for Świątek and sees her as a challenge, she now feels better prepared for each match.
This “stunt double” experience with Serena has given her confidence, and Gauff mentioned that channeling Serena’s mental resilience has helped her embrace her own style and trust in her abilities.
As Gauff continues to grow, it’s clear that the lessons from Serena Williams have armed her with both the skills and mental tactics necessary to take on even the most dominant opponents.
Her story about Serena’s “stunt double” role gives fans an inside look into the depth of Serena’s influence on her and highlights how valuable mentorship between tennis generations can be.
