Executive Insights
- Coco Gauff is a 2-time Grand Slam Champion (US Open 2023, French Open 2025).
- She exited the 2026 Australian Open in the Quarterfinals, losing to Elina Svitolina.
- Her coaching team for 2026 includes Gavin MacMillan, hired to fix her serve biomechanics.
- Gauff achieved a major career milestone in 2025 by defeating rival Iga Swiatek on clay (Madrid).
- She remains one of the highest-paid female athletes, endorsed by New Balance, Bose, and Rolex.
Coco Gauff has solidified her status as a generational talent in women’s tennis. As of January 27, 2026, the 21-year-old American is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having added the 2025 French Open title to her breakthrough 2023 US Open victory. While her 2026 season hit a stumbling block with a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, Gauff remains a fixture in the WTA Top 5 and a leading figure in the sport’s \”Big Three\” alongside Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
Current Status: 2026 Season and Ranking
Entering the 2026 season, Coco Gauff was ranked World No. 3. However, following her quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina (1-6, 2-6) at the 2026 Australian Open, she is projected to slide to No. 4, with Amanda Anisimova moving ahead in the live rankings. Despite this early-season setback, Gauff’s trajectory remains upward, bolstered by a dominant 2025 season where she proved her versatility across all surfaces.
Recent Match Results (Jan 2026)
- Australian Open QF: Lost to Elina Svitolina (1-6, 2-6)
- Australian Open R16: Defeated Karolina Muchova (3 sets)
- United Cup 2025 (Dec/Jan): Defeated Iga Swiatek in the final to lead Team USA.
Grand Slam Journey: From Prodigy to Multi-Major Winner
Coco Gauff’s transition from the 15-year-old who stunned Venus Williams at Wimbledon to a multi-slam champion is complete. Her resume now boasts titles on both hard courts and red clay, silencing critics who doubted her forehand’s efficacy on slower surfaces.
| Tournament | Best Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| US Open | Winner | 2023 |
| French Open (Roland Garros) | Winner | 2025 |
| Australian Open | Quarterfinalist | 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Wimbledon | 4th Round | 2019, 2021 |
The 2025 French Open Triumph
The defining moment of Gauff’s recent career was her victory at Roland Garros 2025. After losing the final in 2022, she returned to Paris with a revamped clay-court game. In the final, she defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets (6-7, 6-2, 6-4), showcasing improved mental resilience and a significantly heavier forehand.
Coaching Team & Technical Evolution
Coco Gauff’s coaching situation has undergone significant changes as she seeks to refine her serve—a weapon that occasionally becomes a liability due to double faults.
- Head Coach: Jean-Christophe (J.C.) Faurel (Long-time collaborator).
- Biomechanics Specialist: Gavin MacMillan. Hired in August 2025, MacMillan is renowned for fixing Aryna Sabalenka’s service motion in 2022. Gauff brought him on board specifically to address the technical hitch in her toss and kinetic chain that leads to high double-fault counts.
- Former Coach: Matt Daly (Split in August 2025) and Brad Gilbert (Split late 2024).
The partnership with MacMillan is critical for 2026, as evidenced by her struggles in the Australian Open QF where serve inconsistency played a major role in her defeat.
Rivalries: The New \”Big Three\”
The WTA Tour is currently defined by the triangular rivalry between Gauff, Swiatek, and Sabalenka.
Gauff vs. Iga Swiatek
For years, this matchup was one-sided in Swiatek’s favor. However, 2025 marked a turning point. Gauff secured two massive wins against the Pole:
- Madrid Open 2025 (Semifinal): Gauff stunned Swiatek on her favorite surface (Clay), winning 6-1, 6-1.
- United Cup 2025 (Final): Gauff defeated Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 on hard courts.
While Swiatek still leads the overall Head-to-Head (approx. 12-3), Gauff has proven she can now overpower the World No. 2.
Gauff vs. Aryna Sabalenka
This rivalry is a battle of athleticism vs. power. Gauff holds the edge in major finals, having beaten Sabalenka to win both the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open. Their matches are often three-set thrillers featuring contrasting styles.
Playing Style and Stats
Gauff is widely considered the best mover on tour. Her ability to defend from the corners and transition to offense is unmatched.
- Serve Speed: Regularly clocks over 120 mph (193 km/h), though consistency remains the primary focus for her team in 2026.
- Forehand: Historically her weaker wing, it has become a heavy, topspin-loaded weapon, particularly effective on clay.
- Prize Money: Surpassed $30 Million in career earnings by early 2026.
Off-Court Impact
Beyond tennis, Gauff is a marketing juggernaut. Her partnership with New Balance has produced one of the best-selling signature shoes in tennis (the Coco CG1 and CG2). She remains a vocal advocate for social justice and mental health, often using her platform to speak on issues affecting young athletes.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: What is Coco Gauff’s current ranking in 2026?
As of late January 2026, Coco Gauff is ranked World No. 3, though she is projected to drop to No. 4 following her quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open.
Q: How many Grand Slam titles has Coco Gauff won?
Coco Gauff has won two Grand Slam singles titles: the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open.
Q: Who is Coco Gauff’s coach in 2026?
Coco Gauff is currently coached by Jean-Christophe (J.C.) Faurel and biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, who was hired to help improve her serve.
Q: Did Coco Gauff win the Australian Open 2026?
No, Coco Gauff was eliminated in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open by Elina Svitolina.
Q: What is the head-to-head record between Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek?
While Iga Swiatek leads the overall head-to-head significantly (approx. 12-3), Coco Gauff secured key victories in 2025, including wins at the Madrid Open and the United Cup.
