Coco Gauff Reflects on Her Clay Season Form and Serve Improvements

The 22-year-old American discusses her mindset heading into the Stuttgart Open quarterfinals and the influence of Rafael Nadal on her clay-court game.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a tennis match in fragmented geometric shapes and vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Gauff's quest to defend her French Open title faces a new challenge on the clay courts of Stuttgart.Today in Miami

Coco Gauff, the defending French Open champion, is through to the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open and will face Karolina Muchova. Gauff spoke about her current form on clay, the progress she's made with her serve, and how Rafael Nadal has shaped her approach to the surface. Despite not feeling the clay court is her best surface, Gauff is hoping to build on her recent success and break through the 'curse' she's felt on the clay in the past.

Why it matters

As one of the rising stars in women's tennis, Gauff's performance on clay is closely watched. Her comments provide insight into her mindset and strategy as she aims to defend her French Open title and establish herself as a dominant force on the surface.

The details

Gauff said she doesn't feel the clay court suits her game as well as some other players, but she's been working to improve her serve and overall clay-court skills. She noted that she's made changes to her serve that have helped her earn more free points, though she still had some double faults in her recent match. Gauff also spoke about the influence of Rafael Nadal, saying she tries to emulate his forehand and court coverage on clay, though she acknowledged she's a 'much lesser version' of the legendary Spaniard.

  • Gauff is the defending champion at the 2026 French Open, which will take place in late May/early June.
  • Gauff recently won the Miami Open, getting her clay-court season off to a strong start.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 22-year-old American tennis player who is the defending champion at the French Open.

Rafael Nadal

A legendary Spanish tennis player widely considered the greatest clay-court player of all time, whose playing style and approach has influenced many, including Gauff.

Karolina Muchova

A Czech tennis player who Gauff will face in the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open.

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What they’re saying

“I don't do well here. I'm trying to break that curse. I broke it in Miami so hoping to break it here.”

— Coco Gauff, Tennis Player

“I mean, the greatest clay court player is Rafa, but I don't quite play like him, but I do try to hit my forehand like he does on clay.”

— Coco Gauff, Tennis Player

What’s next

Gauff will face Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open on April 18, 2026. A win there would put her one step closer to defending her title and continuing her strong start to the clay-court season.

The takeaway

Coco Gauff's comments show her self-awareness about her strengths and weaknesses on clay, as well as her respect for the clay-court mastery of Rafael Nadal. While the surface may not be her natural forte, Gauff is working to improve her game and mindset to defend her French Open title and establish herself as a dominant force on clay.