With the 2025 tennis season approaching, players are ramping up their preparation to stay fresh and ready for a packed calendar featuring 116 tournaments across the ATP and WTA circuits. The season will begin with the third annual United Cup in Australia, where rising American star Coco Gauff is set to represent her nation. Gauff, coming off a solid 2024 campaign, will look to improve her results in the upcoming season. However, concerns have recently been raised by former German tennis player Andrea Petkovic about challenges players like Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and others might face ahead of their trips to Australia.
Petkovic’s concern revolves around the significant issue of jet lag for players traveling from Europe and America to Australia. Speaking on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Petkovic highlighted the challenge of adjusting to time zone differences while balancing a tight schedule. Reflecting on her own travel experience, she said, “I fly out on the 25th and I land 27th in the morning, and I have to work 2 hours later. I don’t need to adjust to the time zone because I’m just broadcasting. But for these girls, they need to adjust to the time zones, and they’re possibly trying to celebrate Christmas at home too. This will cut it very close.” Rennae Stubbs, who co-hosted the podcast, echoed these thoughts, emphasizing that jet lag is indeed a unique challenge for American and European players competing in Australia.
Despite these concerns, Coco Gauff has been actively preparing during the off-season with intense training sessions. Recently, Gauff shared videos on social media showcasing her rigorous workouts, which include weightlifting, sprints, and reverse crunches. She has also incorporated cross-training methods, like beach volleyball, to boost her agility. Interestingly, Gauff has even taken up fencing as part of her training, a move that has thrilled fans and displayed her versatility.
Looking ahead, Gauff will skip the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she has previously enjoyed success, opting instead to compete at the United Cup alongside American teammates Danielle Collins and Taylor Fritz. The United Cup will serve as her warm-up event before the Australian Open, where she will aim to capture another Grand Slam title. Last year, Gauff began her season on a high note, winning the ASB Classic and reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, so expectations are high for a strong 2025 start.
Several tennis experts have weighed in on Gauff’s chances at the upcoming Australian Open. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick believes Gauff’s recent WTA Finals victory will give her a significant boost heading into the new season. Roddick remarked, “I think she’s prepped for a massive year next year.” Paul Annacone, Roger Federer’s former coach, also shared optimism, stating, “I’m going with Coco Gauff. I think she’s going to have a strong interest, and I think she’ll have a strong off-season. She finished the year well, winning the WTA Finals.”
However, Rennae Stubbs pointed out a key area where Gauff must improve to succeed at the Australian Open—her serve. Stubbs explained, “It will be interesting to see how she transitions out of playing indoors, as playing indoors helps your serve. Her biggest issue is the serve—if she is double-faulting, she is hurting herself big time. I think she is a real threat at the Australian Open if that is under control.”
As the 2025 season begins, all eyes will be on Coco Gauff and whether she can overcome the challenges of jet lag and fine-tune her game to dominate the Australian Open. Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating her performance as she aims for another breakthrough in her already impressive career.