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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

In a matter of days, the lush green lawns of the All England Club will once again welcome the world’s top tennis players for the prestigious Wimbledon Championships. Among them is 19-year-old American sensation Coco Gauff, who returns to the site of her career breakthrough with aspirations of capturing her first major title.

At the age of 15, Coco Gauff took the tennis world by storm with her remarkable run at Wimbledon, defeating her idol Venus Williams and reaching the fourth round. As the seventh seed in this year’s tournament, Gauff is determined to showcase her growth and potential, having reached the quarter-finals at Grand Slam events on four separate occasions. However, tennis legend Chris Evert thinks there is one thing that seems to be holding Gauff back from lifting her first major title.

Coco Gauff’s forehand woes

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One aspect of Gauff’s game that has come under scrutiny is her forehand. Analysts and experts have often pointed out its inconsistency and labeled it as one of the least reliable tools in her arsenal. Chris Evert, an esteemed ESPN analyst, and an 18-time major winner, shared her thoughts on Gauff’s forehand, acknowledging its significance in her development as a player.

“The only trigger point for her will be the forehand. Everybody talks about it. It’s probably in her head by now. On a fast surface like grass, you’ve got to hit the ball in front of you and you’ve got to accelerate,” said Evert, according to Reuters.

via Imago

“It’s probably better for her because it’s not happening overnight, she’s not a flash in the pan. She’s just going gradually on her path in a slower way. I think that’s going to benefit her in the long run,” Evert remarked. Indeed, Gauff’s journey has been characterized by steady improvement and maturity beyond her years.

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While expectations for Gauff to win a major title have been high since her breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2017, Evert suggests that her more measured progression could ultimately work to her advantage. Coco Gauff’s journey from a 15-year-old qualifier to a top-seeded contender at Wimbledon has captivated the tennis world. As she aims to claim her first major title, the spotlight remains on her much-debated forehand.

Nurturing Champions: Chris Evert’s Impact on Ajla Tomljanovi?’s Journey

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Ajla Tomljanovi?, the 30-year-old Australian tennis player, recently experienced firsthand the transformative power of Chris Evert’s support. As Tomljanovi? faced the legendary Serena Williams during the US Open, Evert’s words of wisdom resonated deeply, propelling her to an impressive victory. Now, as Coco Gauff stands at a pivotal juncture in her own career, she would be wise to heed Evert’s vital advice and embrace the impact a mentor can have on her game.

The historic encounter between Tomljanovi? and Williams during the US Open showcased the resilience and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. Amidst the crowd’s overwhelming support for her opponent, Tomljanovi? relied on Evert’s guidance to stay true to herself on the court.

via Reuters

The bond between Evert and Tomljanovi? extends beyond the tennis court, with the Australian player referring to Evert as her second mom. This deep connection underscores the significance of a mentor-mentee relationship.

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