Coco Gauff predictions: Ranking American's Grand Slam chances in 2026 and predicting where she will finish in year-end WTA rankings

Coco Gauff has quickly made a name for herself in women's sports. She topped the list of highest-paid female athletes last year, cashing in around $31 million.

After winning her first Major at the 2023 US Open, Gauff was expected to do well in 2024. She couldn't make a strong impression at the Majors, but captured the WTA Finals in Riyadh last year.

Cut to 2025, after a slow start to the season, the American silenced her critics by winning the French Open. In a year filled with fierce competition and constant roadblocks to raising her level, she also held on to her third spot in the WTA Rankings.

Without further ado, let's analyze Coco Gauff's chances to do well next year.

Can Coco Gauff capture her third Grand Slam title in 2026?

Gauff at the French Open Tennis Tournament. Roland-Garros 2025. - Source: Getty

The women's division has kept tennis fans on the edge of their seats in 2025. There were four different winners at the Majors, and a fifth member stepped up to win the WTA Finals this year.

Madison Keys broke her duck to win the Australian Open, and Coco Gauff captured her maiden title in Paris. Iga Swiatek won her first title on grass at Wimbledon, and Aryna Sabalenka defended her title at the US Open.

Gauff's best chance to win a Grand Slam will again be the French Open next year. She not only claimed the title in Paris but also secured runner-up finishes in Madrid and Rome, showcasing her dominance on clay.

The 21-year-old also hasn't done too badly at the Australian Open. She reached the semifinals in 2024 and the quarterfinals in 2025, highlighting her potential to do well next year.

Meanwhile, Gauff's chances on grass depend on her fitness levels and momentum before entering the Wimbledon Championships. She has never gotten past the fourth round in London and will be eager to do well in the future.

Lastly, the American hasn't really lived up to expectations at the US Open, but the hardcourts and home support should give her some motivation next year. She reached the fourth round in 2025 but lost to Naomi Osaka in straight sets.

Can Coco Gauff hold on or climb higher than the 3rd in the WTA Rankings?

Gauff at the WTA Finals 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Coco Gauff has held the third spot in the WTA Rankings for three straight years. However, Amanda Anisimova and Elena Rybakina remain close on her heels.

The American will have plenty of points to defend before the grass court swing next year. She must win two to three titles on clay to consolidate her position and have a chance to fight for the top two in the WTA Rankings.

Deep runs at WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Cincinnati, Montreal, and Wuhan could change the game for Gauff. If she delivers at these events, she has a genuine chance to push for Iga Swiatek’s No. 2 spot.

Additionally, for Gauff to claim the top spot next year, she must raise her level at the Majors. Aryna Sabalenka reached three Major finals in 2025 and also claimed the honors in Madrid, Miami, Brisbane, and New York this year.

Given her steady rise over the past few seasons, a top-five finish feels almost certain for the 21-year-old. She could also find herself challenging for the top two spots next year.

"Hopefully I’ll be serving much better next year"- Coco Gauff aims higher for next season, vows to improve her serve

Gauff at the Cincinnati Open - Source: Getty

Coco Gauff has struggled with her serve this season. She hit 188 aces but also racked up 431 double faults in 2025.

She addressed the issue at the US Open, admitting her motion needed work. Gauff promised to fix her serve and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

"The practice week was tough, because I was spending a lot of time on court last week literally serving until my shoulder was hurting. I feel like it’s [going] in the right direction, and I think for me, it’s trying not to go back to old habits in those tighter moments," Coco Gauff said in her post-match press conference at the US Open (26 August).

The American noted that adjusting to a new motion will take time. She is currently training with service coach Gavin MacMillan, who previously guided Aryna Sabalenka with her serve.

“I think it’s all mechanics. Now it actually makes sense, and now it’s just really trusting that new motion in those moments. When I do it, it’s always a good result. It’s just reminding myself how to do it, and I’m trying not to become as obsessed with it. This is the part of my game that needs to improve if I want to get the results that I want. It’s a new motion and at times I can do it well, at times not so well. When I do it, it’s always a good result – it’s just reminding myself how to do it," Coco Gauff said while addressing her serving problems

Gauff is expected to kick off her 2026 season at the United Cup. She will represent defending champions Team USA as they aim for another strong run next year.