Martina Navratilova explains how Coco Gauff can learn from Iga Swiatek to improve one shot in her game

Martina Navratilova Urges Coco Gauff to Learn from Iga Swiatek’s Forehand

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has advised Coco Gauff to take inspiration from Iga Swiatek to refine one of the biggest weaknesses in her game.

At just 21 years old, Gauff has already cemented herself as one of the WTA Tour’s top stars, both on and off the court. Ranked world No. 3, she has claimed major titles, including a Grand Slam and the WTA Finals.

However, consistency remains a challenge, with two specific shots often letting her down.

Navratilova Suggests Gauff Study Swiatek’s Forehand

Gauff’s struggles stem from her forehand and second serve, which have been repeatedly exploited by opponents.

The American currently leads the WTA’s top 100 in double faults, having recorded 104 this season. Additionally, she holds the joint-second lowest percentage of second serve points won among the WTA’s top 60 players, ahead of Emma Raducanu.

Speaking to the WTA website, 18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova emphasized the importance of improving Gauff’s forehand—often targeted by opponents—and suggested she watch Iga Swiatek’s technique for guidance.

“I have no doubt she’ll find her rhythm. She’s under immense scrutiny wherever she goes,” Navratilova said.

“Technically, her serve has improved more than the results show, but the forehand remains a challenge.

Others have a similar grip, though not as extreme. Watching footage of Iga’s forehand could be insightful—small adjustments could make a big difference.”

Navratilova highlighted that Swiatek’s contact point is more consistent, and Gauff could benefit by refining this aspect of her game to handle opponents who continue targeting her forehand.

How Gauff’s Forehand Has Impacted Her 2025 Results

Gauff’s forehand errors have been a major factor in her 2025 defeats.

• In her Australian Open loss to Paula Badosa, Gauff committed 31 unforced forehand errors, compared to 17 winners.
• During her Qatar Open first-round exit to Marta Kostyuk, she recorded 21 forehand unforced errors to just three winners.
• At the Dubai Championships, she fell to McCartney Kessler with 34 unforced forehand errors and only five winners in a 4-6, 5-7 defeat.

If Gauff hopes to reach world No. 1 and win multiple Grand Slams, she must address these weaknesses—something she is certainly capable of achieving.