Despite her continued success in professional tennis, Coco Gauff has been identified by some athletes as someone who could thrive in a completely different sport. With pickleball rapidly growing in popularity, conversations have emerged around which tennis players might transition well to the game, and Gauff’s name is frequently mentioned as a top candidate.
Former tennis star Eugenie Bouchard recently shared her thoughts on the topic during an appearance on the Kitchen Pickleball YouTube show. During the discussion, Bouchard spoke about how certain skills developed in tennis naturally translate to pickleball, especially for elite athletes. She highlighted Gauff as a standout example, pointing to her athleticism, versatility, and comfort on the court as major advantages.
According to Bouchard, Gauff’s speed, coordination, and overall physical ability would allow her to adapt quickly to pickleball’s demands. She suggested that Gauff would likely dominate the singles format early on, noting that many tennis players already feel confident in one-on-one competition due to their background. The movement patterns, shot selection, and competitive instincts required in singles pickleball align closely with those found in tennis.
Bouchard also emphasized that Gauff’s experience in doubles play could be especially beneficial. She explained that strong doubles skills are often overlooked but are extremely valuable in pickleball, where teamwork, positioning, and quick reactions at the net are crucial. Bouchard compared Gauff’s doubles strengths to those of Jack Sock, another tennis player known for excelling in doubles. She believes that players with this background often transition more smoothly into pickleball’s doubles game.
Reflecting on her own experience, Bouchard admitted that doubles was not her strongest area in tennis, which made adapting to pickleball doubles more challenging. She suggested that this contrast highlights why Gauff, who has shown comfort in both singles and doubles tennis, could rise rapidly in pickleball rankings. Bouchard even speculated that Gauff could reach the top tier of the sport within months if she chose to pursue it seriously.
Bouchard herself has already made the switch from tennis to pickleball. Since transitioning, the Canadian athlete has steadily climbed the rankings and is currently positioned as the ninth-best player in the sport. Her journey serves as a real-life example of how professional tennis players can successfully reinvent themselves in pickleball.
Gauff has also shared her own views on pickleball in past interviews. While she remains focused on her tennis career, she has spoken positively about the sport’s accessibility and social appeal. In an interview with Vogue, Gauff described pickleball as an enjoyable and less aggressive way for people to stay active. She noted that the sport encourages movement and participation, making it appealing to a wide range of players.
Although Gauff has not expressed plans to switch sports, the praise from fellow athletes and her openness toward pickleball continue to fuel speculation. Whether or not she ever steps onto a professional pickleball court, many believe her skill set would make her a formidable presence in the sport.
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