The change proved successful as Gauff won the China Open, her second career WTA 1000 trophy soon after.
Gauff then won the WTA Finals to round off the season, as she ended the year on a high, taking home one of the biggest titles of her career.
She has all the momentum going into 2025, and one American ATP star thinks she can go all the way to the top in the new year.
Speaking on the Tennis Channel Live podcast, former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Chris Eubanks revealed whether he thinks Gauff can reach world number one.
“We’ve seen so much greatness from her at such a young age, I think it’s safe to say that she will become world number one,” he said.
Eubanks went even bolder with his prediction, as he suggested she could do so next year.
“I think although it’s a big points deficit, I think she can do it next year,” said the American.
“Not just because of what I’ve seen from her at the end of last year at the WTA Finals, having to go through a gauntlet in order to take that title, but also look at history here
“Her highest ranking in 2021 was 19, 2022 was four in the world, highest ranking in 2023 was three in the world, highest ranking in 2024 was two in the world.
“It’s trending towards progress each and every year.
“This year was number two, there’s only one place to go from there.”
Eubank’s co-host Jason Goodall wasn’t quite so convinced, however, as he claims Gauff will find it tough to surpass Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
“In order for that to happen she’s going to have to win two, maybe even three [Majors],” he said.
“[Aryna] Sabalenka over the course of the last couple of seasons has been the most consistent performer at the Majors, [Iga] Swiatek we know dominates on the clay.
“I think it’s going to be hard for Coco [Gauff] in the next year or two, I take the results at the tail-end of the season with a pinch of salt.
“I know she’s got a new coach, she’s made some tweaks to her grip on the serve, needs big improvements.
“She’s doing really well, she’s trending in the right direction, but I don’t see Coco becoming world number one for another couple of years.
“It would take something of a misstep from Swiatek and Sabalenka for her to have the opportunity to do so.”
Is Coco Gauff close to becoming world number one?
Eubanks and Goodall may disagree over Gauff’s 2025 number one chances, but just how realistic is it to expect her to overhaul Sabalenka and Swiatek in the new year.
She currently sits at world number three, and at a first glance it certainly looks like she has her work cut out to hunt them down.
