At the 2026 Australian Open, Coco Gauff — the third seed — has been progressing steadily through the draw, combining resilience with tactical maturity.
She opened the campaign with a confident straight‑sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova, imposing herself from the baseline despite early serving wobbles.
In the second round, Gauff was even more commanding, dispatching Olga Danilovic in just over 75 minutes to move into the third round with few dramas.
Her recent third‑round match against fellow American Hailey Baptiste saw her rally from a set down to win 3‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3 — a clear display of mental strength when things briefly drifted.
She’s now set to face Karolina Muchova with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line — proof that even when challenged, Gauff finds a way to reset and impose her game.
The forehand: defining strength and vulnerability
What stands out most about Gauff’s tennis — and what has repeatedly defined her Australian Open runs over the years — is her forehand: it’s a weapon that can dictate play, but also one with quirks that tell you a lot about her evolution as a player.
🔹 A shot of promise
When Gauff’s forehand is on — loopy, penetrating, and deep — she can take control of baseline exchanges, push opponents off the court, and open up angles that set up winners or force errors.
That aggressive strike from the forehand wing helps explain her ability to overpower players in short rallies and sustain pressure over time.
Against Baptiste in this tournament, for instance, the forehand helped swing momentum back into her favor after she dropped the first set — a reminder that when accurate and assertive, it’s one of her go‑to offensive tools.
🔹 A shot with variability
But here’s the flip side: Gauff’s forehand can be inconsistent, especially under pressure.
In past Australian Opens, including her deep runs in 2025, that shot has at times been a source of unforced errors, especially when she’s trying to dictate too early or is off balance.
In her quarterfinal defeat last year, she finished with 28 unforced forehand errors — more than from any other shot.
This isn’t just about miscues: it reflects her aggressive mindset.
Gauff often wants to be the one setting the tone, using controlled topspin to keep opponents on the defensive.
When that intent meets the glassy hard‑court pace of Melbourne Park — where the ball comes through fast — the margin for error shrinks.
When her timing’s slightly off, the forehand can “spray” wide or go long.
This variability is part technique, part temperament.
🧠 What it says about her tennis
1. Competitive hunger.
Her forehand mirrors the way she approaches points: bold, assertive, ready to take the initiative.
Gauff embraces risk — she wants to make the point, not just participate in it.
2. Emotional intelligence.
When the forehand misfires, she doesn’t crumble.
Her ability to regroup — whether it’s resetting tactics mid‑match or leaning more on her backhand and movement — is a real strength that’s developed significantly since her teenage breakthrough.
3. High ceiling.
Unlike players who rely on sheer consistency, Gauff’s forehand has clear potential to be a top‑flight weapon.
When she’s striking through the ball with confidence, she can challenge anyone — which is why she’s seen as a genuine contender in the women’s draw.
Australian Open ambition and the bigger picture
At 21, Gauff is already a multiple Grand Slam champion and a perennial threat at majors.
The Australian Open title has eluded her so far, yet her journey this year reflects a mature competitor who’s steadier under pressure and more adaptable.
Her forehand encapsulates that evolution — it carries risk, but also reward.
It’s a shot that says everything about her tennis: bold, improving, and always searching for the extra gear.
Whether she ultimately lifts the trophy in Melbourne, her performance so far shows she’s not just playing the Australian Open — she’s shaping the narrative of her career.
