Coco Gauff has used this practice drill to help her reach the very top of women’s tennis.
Gauff is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won the US Open in 2023 and the French Open in 2025.
The 21-year-old has also made a strong start to the 2026 season, with Gauff helping the USA reach the United Cup semifinals.
Although Gauff is no longer the American number one, she is still one of the best tennis players in the world and has been helped a lot by one practice drill in particular.
Coco Gauff explains the practice drill which helps her game the most
Gauff has a strong camaraderie with many other American tennis players, including her former doubles partner Jessica Pegula.
When appearing on The Player’s Box Podcast, which is hosted by Pegula, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk, Gauff was asked which practice drills help her the most.
In her response, Gauff revealed that she likes practicing with two players on the opposite side of the court, which she claimed helps improve her physicality.
“I would say two on ones, just being able to stand on one corner and just hit two on ones,” said Gauff. “I feel like my game is so physical, so just building up that, and then, I like the hand feeds, even though I tell my coach I hate them.
“I think they help me feel the ball and slow things down to make the technique feel more sound.”
Where will Coco Gauff be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Coco Gauff’s previous results at the Australian Open
As Gauff continues to compete at the United Cup, she will look to get herself in peak physical condition for the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open.
This is one of the two Grand Slam tournaments that Gauff is yet to win, but she did reach the semifinals in Melbourne two years ago.
How far will Coco Gauff go at the 2026 Australian Open?
At the 2025 Australian Open, Gauff was beaten by Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals and she will be hoping to go all the way this year.
| Year | Coco Gauff’s result at the Australian Open |
| 2020 | Fourth Round |
| 2021 | Second Round |
| 2022 | First Round |
| 2023 | Fourth Round |
| 2024 | Semifinal |
| 2025 | Quarterfinal |
Before she can turn her attention to the Australian Open, Gauff will look to lead the USA to their second consecutive United Cup title.
After reaching the semifinals, Gauff will play either Iga Swiatek or Maya Joint when USA bid to reach the United Cup final on Saturday, January 10.
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