Coco Gauff is entering the Australian Open as a serious contender for her second Grand Slam title.
With a recent WTA Finals triumph and now a United Cup victory, the American is entering the new season as strong as any season in the past.
The Australian Open kicks off on Sunday with the first major tennis event of the year set to feature a stacked women’s and men’s card.
Gauff, after a strong 2024 season which ended in triumphs in China and Riyadh as she picked up two WTA titles, enters the Australian Open as a clear favourite.
Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs even went as far to predict that the 20-year-old will pick up her second Grand Slam in Melbourne.
“I’m going to say that I think Coco Gauff will win the Australian Open,” Stubbs said on an episode of The Reannae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
“The only issue is I hear it’s faster in Melbourne than it was in Sydney, so that will help Aryna if it’s a bit quicker,” Stubbs said.
“But I’m going to go Coco. I do slightly think Sabalenka might be the one, but I’m going to say Coco might get it,” Stubbs added.
In her last match-up with Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff defeated the reigning Australian Open champion 7-6, 6-3 at the WTA Finals.
The 20-year-old also made it back-to-back wins against World No 2 Iga Swiatek – another contender for the Australian Open – giving the American confidence she can beat anyone in Melbourne.
The last American male to win a Grand Slam, Andy Roddick, has gone a step further, predicting a big year for Gauff.
Changes to the American’s serve and forehand paved the way for her strong end to the season, and while the serve wobbled on occasions, Roddick has high hopes.
“Props to Coco. All of us dummies who question stuff, she is going to be fine, great. I can’t wait for her season,” Roddick said on his podcast, Served.
“She has had some time in the off-season to make grip adjustments on the serve. Has committed to making that change.
“There’s a lot to look forward to for Coco.”
Meanwhile four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, John Isner, also backed Gauff to be the American who secures a major for the United States this season.
“I would also like to see if an American can win a Grand Slam, that’s from the men’s side or the women’s side,” Isner said on his Nothing Major podcast.
“If Coco Gauff can clinch another one or Emma Navarro or Jessie Pegula, or any of the other American players.
“It’s the first time in a long time there is a legitimate shot that we have some players who can win a slam.”
Gauff recently declared she is one of the best players in the world and the Australian Open provides her the opportunity to display just that and secure her second Grand Slam title at just 20 years old.