Okay so I saw this buzz about Coco Gauff’s Australian Open prep and thought hey why not try her routine myself? Grabbed my tennis gear first thing Saturday morning feeling all pumped up. Started right with hydration – chugged two full water bottles before even leaving home cause they said she does that religiously.
The Warm-Up Mess
Copied Coco’s dynamic stretches from YouTube clips. Did those leg swings against my fence but nearly toppled over when my dog jumped at me mid-swing. Switched to spider-man crawls on the living room carpet after that disaster but kept bumping into furniture. Whole thing took like 40 minutes instead of her quick 20.
Court Session Struggles
Hit the local courts around 10 AM trying to mimic her two-hour drills. Focused on deep corner shots like her coaches emphasize but:
- Smashed three balls into the parking lot
- Completely whiffed on backhand returns twice
- Forgot to breathe during rallies until dizzy
Seriously how does she make this look smooth? Had to sit on the bench guzzling Gatorade feeling pathetic.
Reaction Time Drills Disaster
This part killed me. Taped my phone to the washing machine playing random direction beeps to simulate her reaction training. Tripped over my own shoes lunging left then smacked my elbow on the dryer handle. Abandoned ship after five minutes before I broke appliances.
The Mental Game Attempt
Tried her visualization trick during lunch. Closed eyes picturing perfect serves while chewing sandwich… mind kept wandering to grocery list and whether I left the stove on. Lasted three frustrating minutes.
My Big Realization
Finished exhausted around 3 PM realizing pro routines ain’t for regular folks. Felt like I’d been run over by bus while Coco’s out there winning grand slams. Props to her discipline but I’ll stick to my casual rallies. Might keep the hydration thing though – that actually felt good.
