"I think that she really enjoys playing here" - Former US Open champion gives verdict on whether Coco Gauff can win at Indian Wells

Despite a slow start to the 2025 WTA season, Coco Gauff has been tipped as a favorite to prevail at the ongoing Indian Wells tournament by retired compatriot Coco Vandeweghe.

Gauff suffered a slump of sorts during the two WTA 1000 events in the Middle East. The World No.3 saw her exploits at the Qatar Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships come to an end in the first round at both events, leaving fans pondering if the American will have the same fate in the desert.

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Vandeweghe believes Gauff can go all the way at Indian Wells

The retired American player, who won the 2018 US Open doubles title alongside Ashleigh Barty, claims Gauff will rediscover her form as the tournament progresses.

"This event really suits her,” Vandeweghe said in an appearance on the Tennis Channel. “I think that she really enjoys playing here. We saw her last year come in a little bit shaky, but there was so much conversation about her forehand, about her game in general.
"But I think now that she has kind of taken a couple of lumps in the Middle East, I think that will help her coming in here, because she does really play so well when she is playing with that little bit of grit, when the doubters and haters start coming out.
“And I think she is ready to win this title, but I would like to see the first couple of matches to kind of put my stamp of approval of taking home the title, or going home without it."

Gauff received a first round bye, and is scheduled to face rising Japanese star Moyuka Uchijima in the second round.

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