“Into the Gutter”- Andy Roddick Unveils the Secret Strength Coco Gauff Brings Ahead of French Open
**“Into the Gutter”: Andy Roddick Unveils Coco Gauff’s Secret Strength Ahead of French Open**
Andy Roddick has revealed what he sees as Coco Gauff’s hidden weapon heading into the 2025 French Open: her ability to thrive in grueling, attritional battles. In a May 17, 2025, Tennis Channel TCLive segment, Roddick described Gauff’s tenacity, saying, “She can drag you into the gutter, and somehow, she loves it there,” a quote highlighted by EssentiallySports.com. This “secret strength” refers to Gauff’s knack for outlasting opponents in long rallies and tough conditions, particularly on clay, where her defensive skills and mental fortitude shine.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-wta-tennis-news-into-the-gutter-andy-roddick-unveils-the-secret-strength-coco-gauff-brings-ahead-of-french-open/)
Despite her 6-4, 6-2 loss to Jasmine Paolini in the Italian Open final on May 17, 2025, Gauff’s clay court form has impressed Roddick. He noted her ability to “grind out points” and stay composed under pressure, a trait evident in her 2022 French Open final run and recent Rome semifinal win over Zheng Qinwen. However, Roddick also pointed to a “costly flaw”—her serve, which produced 28 unforced errors against Paolini, per TennisUpToDate.com. His off-season work with Gauff, simplifying her service motion, aimed to address this, as revealed on ESPN in January 2024.
Jim Courier, joining Roddick on TCLive, called Gauff’s Rome performance “concerning” due to her mental and physical flatness, per Yardbarker. Yet, Roddick emphasized her resilience, noting that her love for “gutter” fights—long, messy points—sets her apart. X posts, like @TheCatcherMgz, echoed this, praising Gauff’s clay court grit despite the loss. Her junior title at the 2018 French Open, cited on Facebook, underscores her comfort on the surface.[](https://www.facebook.com/p/Gabriele-Varoni-Oliveira-100094527047124/)
Gauff’s foot injury in Rome, treated during the final, didn’t deter her from praising Paolini’s historic win, per The Express. As Roland Garros begins May 25, Roddick’s insight suggests Gauff’s ability to embrace tough battles could propel her deep, provided she sharpens her serve. Fans on X, such as @NarasimhaRN5, see her as a contender if she overcomes technical lapses, making her “gutter” mentality a key asset in Paris.
