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Coco Gauff is riding high after clinching her second Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros, but according to former British No. 1 and current tournament director Laura Robson, the American star still faces an uphill battle at Wimbledon. Despite Gauff's remarkable consistency in recent months, Robson believes the 20-year-old hasn't quite cracked the code on grass courts yet.
Speaking from her office at the newly launched WTA 500 event, the HSBC Women's Championships, also known as the Queen's Club event, Robson offered her insights on the women's singles title picture at the All England Club.
"I don't know who is favorite in the women's Wimbledon event. I would probably say [Aryna] Sabalenka because she's done well there in the past, but for Coco [Gauff] it's been a surface which hasn't quite given her the results that the other Slams have," Robson told Sky Sports.
Robson, who is deeply familiar with the nuances of grass-court tennis, didn't mince words when it came to assessing Gauff's potential to go deep at SW19. While she acknowledged Gauff's reliable record of reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, she noted the lack of a true breakout moment.
"Even though Gauff has made the fourth round three times, there's not been that standout result, I'd say, so I think that leaves it quite open for some new faces to come in," Robson added.
From Paris dominance to London questions
Gauff arrives in London as the World No. 2 and fresh off a triumphant clay court run. In addition to winning the French Open, she reached the finals at both the Madrid Open and the Italian Open, proving herself a dominant force on red clay. Her footwork, stamina, and strategic play shined throughout the European swing.
Still, transitioning to grass presents a new challenge. While Gauff made headlines as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019 by defeating Venus Williams, she has yet to go beyond the fourth round since that breakout moment. Grass, with its low bounce and rapid pace, doesn't naturally suit her topspin-heavy game the way clay or hard courts do.
Robson's remarks underscore the uncertainty that still surrounds the women's draw this year. While names like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina loom large, Gauff's recent form certainly makes her a contender.
Still just 20, Gauff has already achieved more than many players do in an entire career, and Wimbledon remains one of the few milestones she has yet to fully conquer.