Maria Sharapova has her preference when it comes to whom she would like to see lift the US Open trophy, and that's Coco Gauff.
Just before the start of the US Open, Sharapova made the headlines after she was introduced by Serena Williams during her induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Following her memorable day, the former five-time Grand Slam champion appeared as a guest on the TODAY show. There, the 2006 US Open winner was asked if she could share her pick for this year's champion in New York.
Youre putting me on the spot, this was supposed to be an easy interview. I want Coco," Sharapova answered.
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Gauff winning the US Open this year will be a very challenging task, and here is why
In case you somehow missed it, Gauff fired coach Matt Daly and brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to help her revamp her service technique. They started working only at the start of last week.
In her first match with a revamped serve, the third-ranked American had 10 double faults but also showed some signs of improvement in that department en route to clinching a narrow 6-4 6-7 (2) 7-5 win over Ajla Tomljanovic in thefirst round at Flushing Meadows.
"The practice week was tough because I was spending a lot of time on court literally serving until, like, my shoulder was hurting. I feel like it's in the right direction, and I think for me it's trying not to go back to old habits in those tighter moments, and I think I did that today, especially in the third set... I think hopefully this time next year I'll be serving much better," Gauff admitted afterward.
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The 2023 US Open champion didn't have much time to work on her new service technique and she is basically learning on the go in New York - and that is never an easy thing to navigate through.
