Coco Gauff revealed an unbelievable feat of endurance is key to her success after a vital win over Iga Swiatek at the United Cup.
The American beat the world No.2 in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) to give the USA the advantage in their eventual title win over Poland in the United Cup final.
GettyGauff is in top form going into the Australian Open having not lost throughout the United Cup[/caption]
It was Team USA’s second United Cup triumph, after winning the inaugural 2022 tournament against Italy.
This is Gauff’s second consecutive win against Swiatek following the WTA Finals Riyadh (6-3, 6-4).
The 20-year-old’s Sunday victory makes her the youngest player to win three consecutive matches against top-2 in the WTA since Daria Kasatkina in 2017.
Her only two wins over the Pole as the world No.3 lost all 11 of their previous 13 encounters.
The match at Ken Rosewall Arena was a scintillating one, going for one hour and 52 minutes.
Gauff broke with a splendid forehand volley to lead 2-0 but Swiatek locked in to secure the next three games.
The second set was a brilliant display of Gauff’s stamina as she pulled the break back in a 10 minute game to level it 4-4.
From then on she dominated Swiatek who was struggling with a right thigh injury.
Numerous shots from Guaff displayed tremendous strength and balance.
And when asked about her impressive abilities in tough situations, she believes one feat of endurance she has been capable of since her youth is vital.
GettyTeam United States, including Gauff, celebrate their United Cup win[/caption]
Gauff revealed: “My fitness coach Stephan, he loves to do a lot of core and honestly I give him a lot of crap for it because they’re mostly boring exercises but I guess it’s there for a reason so shoutout to Steph with the core.
“I mean, I’ve been able to hold a plank for like three or four minutes since I was 10 years old so maybe it was born in me,” Gauff joked.
The plank is where a person holds themselves up on the ground with their forearms and toes, with your back and legs aligned.
It’s an exercise famed for making even the strongest shake as they attempt to endure the workout.
She has previously stated her dislike for the exercise – but with benefits like those she’s showing on court it’s no wonder she puts up with the pain.
Its a sentiment she also feels for yoga, which again she does despite not liking it.
Previously, Jeff Drock, a footwork efficiency specialist and physical trainer, who worked with Gauff from the age of eight, revealed that she had never lifted weights.
Instead she took part in a very intensive and specific strengthening program since nine years old.
Drock worked on her de-acceleration and balance to end her old habit of falling on hard courts and “ending up on another court after hitting a ball”.
Agility training was also on the agenda but she never worked out physically for no longer than an hour each day, between two and four days a week.
Body weight training was also introduced, including planks, as well as chin ups, pullups, and resistance band exercises.
Next, Gauff aims to win her second Grand Slam at the Australian Open starting January 15th.
