Coco Gauff’s Grand Slam-First Mentality: Right Approach or Risky Strategy?
Coco Gauff has made it clear—she’s not obsessed with rankings. Despite being the world No. 3, her focus in 2025 is on winning Grand Slams rather than chasing the No. 1 spot. After a rocky start to the season, including early exits at the Australian Open, Doha, Dubai, and Indian Wells, Gauff remains committed to the long game.
“I’ve Never Been a Rankings Girl”
In an interview with Roland Garros, Gauff explained her mindset:
> “I’ve never been a rankings girl. Really, I want to just win Grand Slams. My dad always said, ‘the number, the ranking will come with the Slams.’ So I think for me, I’m looking more at winning Slams. And if I win a Slam this year and don’t become number one, I will be satisfied.”
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This perspective challenges the traditional idea that being No. 1 is the ultimate achievement. For Gauff, hoisting Grand Slam trophies is what matters most.
The Struggles in 2025
Despite her success in late 2024—winning the China Open, WTA Finals, and United Cup—Gauff has struggled this season. Her most recent loss at Indian Wells to Belinda Bencic (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) highlighted ongoing issues, particularly with her serve. She racked up 38 double faults in three rounds, the same amount she had at the 2024 US Open.
Still, Gauff is undeterred. She believes she has “unfinished business” at Roland Garros, especially when it comes to overcoming her biggest roadblock: Iga Swiatek.
The Swiatek Obstacle
Gauff has come close at the French Open but has been repeatedly stopped by Swiatek, the queen of clay:
2022 Final: Swiatek dominated, winning 6-1, 6-3.
2023 Quarterfinals: Swiatek once again eliminated Gauff en route to her third Roland Garros title.
2024 Semifinals: Swiatek won 6-2, 6-4, maintaining her grip over Gauff on clay.
Their overall head-to-head record? 3-11 in favor of Swiatek—and all three of Gauff’s wins have come on hard courts.
Gauff knows that if she wants to win in Paris, she’ll likely have to beat Swiatek on clay for the first time:
> “She’s an unbelievable talent, on any surface, but especially on clay. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business there.”
Will Gauff’s Strategy Pay Off?
Focusing on Slams over rankings is a bold move. While being No. 1 would cement her as the world’s best player, Gauff believes trophies define greatness. Some might argue that consistency in rankings reflects a player’s overall dominance, while others agree that winning Grand Slams is what truly matters.
What do you think? Is Gauff’s focus on Slams the right approach, or should she care more about rankings?