Is Coco Gauff ready to overtake Sabalenka and Swiatek to claim No. 1? Chris Eubanks gives his prediction
WTA
Coco Gauff
finished another great season, this time as world No. 3, confirming the
fantastic 2023 she had, which included winning her first Grand Slam title at
the US Open. The American had two semifinal appearances in major tournaments,
the Australian Open and the French Open, this year.
However,
her best results came from winning titles at the WTA 1000 China Open and the
WTA Finals, along with a title in Auckland and three more semifinal appearances
in WTA 1000 events. She ended the year as world No. 3 for the second
consecutive year, just behind Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
"She’s trending in the right direction" - Christophe Eubanks
The
20-year-old had some irregular months, with defeats in the round of 16 at
Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as first-round exits at the Canadian Open,
Cincinnati, and the Olympic Games. Gauff decided to part ways with Brad Gilbert
and join Matt Daly, former coach of Denis Shapovalov.
The
coaching change gave Gauff a boost, as she finished with 14 wins in her next 16
matches, including victories over Sabalenka and Swiatek in straight sets in
Riyadh. Looking ahead to the new season, former world No. 29 Chris Eubanks
shared his thoughts on the chances of his close friend climbing higher in the
rankings.
“We’ve seen
so much greatness from her at such a young age, I think it’s safe to say that
she will become world number one,” he said. “I think although it’s a big points
deficit, I think she can do it next year,” said the American.
“Not just
because of what I’ve seen from her at the end of last year at the WTA Finals,
having to go through a gauntlet in order to take that title, but also look at
history here,” the former Wimbledon quarterfinalist added. “Her highest ranking
in 2021 was 19, in 2022 it was 4 in the world, in 2023 it was 3 in the world,
and in 2024 it was 2 in the world.”
“It’s
trending towards progress each and every year. This year was number two,
there’s only one place to go from there,” predicted Chris Eubanks. “In order
for that to happen, she’s going to have to win two, maybe even three [Majors],”
he stated.
“Sabalenka,
over the course of the last couple of seasons, has been the most consistent
performer at the Majors. Swiatek, we know, dominates on clay. I think it’s
going to be hard for Coco [Gauff] in the next year or two. I take the results
at the tail-end of the season with a pinch of salt.”
“I know
she’s got a new coach, she’s made some tweaks to her grip on the serve, and
there are big improvements needed,” Eubanks commented. “She’s doing really
well, she’s trending in the right direction, but I don’t see Coco becoming
world No. 1 for another couple of years.”
“It would
take something of a misstep from Swiatek and Sabalenka for her to have the
opportunity to do so," he concluded.
The moment Coco Gauff heard she would be the flag bearer alongside LeBron James for Team USA at the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 24, 2024
Beautiful that the news came from Chris Eubanks, who’s known her & her family since she was a child.
“Okay, I’m not gonna cry… I’m okay.” 🥹
(via… pic.twitter.com/BygVCFCMIB
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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