Coco Gauff reveals tactical change she made with her doubles strategy en route to French Open title

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Coco Gauff outlined the strategy she used alongside Kateřina Siniaková in the French Open women’s doubles event.

The pair, who teamed up just two days before the tournament started, dropped just one set on the way to winning the title.

They defeated the Italian duo of singles runner-up Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani 7-6(5), 6-3, on court Philippe Chatrier to lift the trophy.

Gauff has now joined the esteemed group of players including Serena and Venus Williams that have claimed singles and doubles Grand Slam titles.

What strategy does Coco Gauff use in doubles?

New singles World number two Gauff is a very capable doubles player, with eight titles to her name. In addition to her French Open Win, the American’s biggest doubles titles came at the WTA 1000 events in Miami, Toronto, and successive Doha titles in 2022 and 2023 alongside compatriot Jessica Pegula.

Gauff had very little time to gel with her new partner Siniaková, but they dropped just one set on the way to claiming glory in Paris.

During their post-match press conference, Gauff spoke of the tactics she and her partner used to succeed at the clay court major.

“Honestly I think whoever was serving was just saying where they wanted to serve. Sometimes I would tell her and she would tell me. But I would say it was pretty equal,” the 20-year-old told reporters.

“Normally when I’m playing with people I let the other person take the lead, unless I feel super strongly about something.

“But I think it was whoever was serving would control how they wanted their point to go on their serve and on returns it was just feeling, and we would react to what the other would do.”

Will Coco Gauff continue to play doubles?

Gauff’s usual doubles partner was Pegula, but she has been injured since April. However, she will be returning to the court to start the grass court season this week.

With the 29-year-old out of action, Gauff played alongside Taylor Townsend, Erin Routliffe and Siniaková during the clay court season.

Though she enjoys competing in the two versus two format, Gauff is unsure of how much longer she plans to compete. “I don’t think long,” she said.

“I don’t want to say close that chapter of my career, but I don’t know if I will continue to chase more. I’m not saying I won’t play doubles. So I’m focused on that.”