Coco Gauff is back! After her first win in the China Open, the tennis fraternity finds her decision to appoint Matt Daly quite fruitful for her success. While Gauff faced criticism, one person who held hope for the player was Federer’s former coach, Paul Annacone. In a recent discussion, this tennis expert addressed Gauff’s recent struggles and made a comment that fueled hope about the former US Open champion’s great comeback.

Annacone had an interesting take on Coco Gauff’s victory in the first round of the 2024 China Open. The WTA number six defeated France’s Clara Burel and secured another milestone in her career alongside Danish star Caroline Wozniacki. Gauff’s victory gained attention due to her recent separation from coach Brad Gilbert. After the US Open, Gauff parted ways with Gilbert and added Matt Daly to her coaching team alongside Christophe Faurel. In a recent discussion on the Tennis Channel, when host Prakash Amritraj delved into Coco’s improvements, Annacone offered a surprising comment.

“Yeah, I like what you’re saying about the proactive kind of groundstrokes when she’s more proactive with her forehand, she can compensate for the extreme grip that she has when she gets reactive and tentative. She lifts a lot and you get a few more as far as the coaching swap is concerned. Look so much of it with the coach player relationship is about what the expectations are. You know, is it going to be a process oriented relationship? Or going to be result oriented? And a lot of that has to be talked about with the player,” said Annacone. His statements highlighted how the correct understanding between a player and her coach can bring out the best in the player. He emphasized how Daly’s collaboration with Gauff worked well, which could be seen through her performance in China.

Annacone saw a possibility in this American player. He believed Gauff had been working on her playstyle for a long time but it is hard for her to improve her forehand grip in a tournament. “Everybody loses every week except for one player,” Annacone noted, highlighting that only the champion wins all the matches. This expressed his faith in the former US Open champion’s ability to showcase her incredible talent in the sport.

Annacone previously praised the WTA star. Ahead of the 2024 Wimbledon, Federer’s ex-coach hesitated to pick a favorite between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. In a Tennis Channel podcast, he had a great compliment for Coco, revealing his admiration for the American.

Paul Annacone believed playing against Coco Gauff would be “tough”

Ahead of the British Grand Slam Annacone expressed great hope for Coco’s chances. “Is she my favorite? I don’t know that she’s my favorite. But as well as she’s playing, it’s tough to bet against her. ’m actually really interested to see Coco and see what she does at Wimbledon this year. Because I think after winning the US Open, her environment has changed,” he said. Annacone’s words reflected how closely he watched Gauff’s performance. While she had a disappointing run at the Slam, Gauff’s return at the China Open restored Annacone’s faith in her skill.

Paul Annacone’s assessment of Coco Gauff’s China Open victory reflects his admiration for the player. Following the WTA star’s recent win, the tennis community hopes Annacone’s predictions prove true so Gauff can finally turn the tide and claim more titles.