The American fanbase had to take a major hit at the 2024 US Open. In 2023 Coco Gauff created became the first American teenager to win the US Open crown since Serena Williams in 1999. However, just a year later, experiencing a Wimbledon-like fate, Gauff lost to Emma Navarro in R4. Besides the young champ saying she “expects better” from herself, it was still not done for her as well as the supporters. Before she put herself together and reset, the Gauff family united to overcome the disappointment together.

A while ago, Coco Gauff posted a picture of her on Instagram. It was from Day One of the 2024 U.S. Open, where she swiftly dispatched Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the second round. The Grand Slam champion showcased her new New Balance ensemble, a vibrant cornflower blue dress with yellow accents and strategic cutouts. Completing her look were her signature Coco CG2 shoes in a matching color scheme and a bold yellow headband.

“Wasn’t meant to be this year…but I will come back stronger, best believe that🩵 #Histiming,” she wrote, urging her supporters to keep the firm support intact. Along with the countless fans who seemed to be convinced by her message, a comment from her brother Codey captured the spotlight. “💯💯” he commented, as a simple gesture to up the morale of her sister. Moreover, ATP star Tommy Paul’s influencer girlfriend Paige Lorenze also dropped a comment with multiple heart emojis.

Coco Gauff’s reign as U.S. Open champion ended on Saturday with a heartbreaking 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 defeat against Emma Navarro. This marked the second consecutive Grand Slam loss to Navarro, a bitter pill to swallow for the 2023 champion. Despite the disappointment, Gauff maintained her composure and reflected on the match.

“I guess for me, yeah, it’s not the summer that I want,” Gauff said. “I feel like there’s, like, 70 other players in the draw that would love to have the summer that I had even though [my results dipped] during this time of the year.”

“So many people want to be in the fourth round. So many people want to make the Olympics. So many people want to be flag bearer. It’s perspective. Obviously, because I’m wanting to reach a different level it is disappointing, but I’m not going to beat myself up and be, like, this was so bad.”

Her 19 double faults, particularly the 11 in the final set, and 60 unforced errors proved to be costly obstacles in her quest for a repeat title. “Yeah, I expect better, but at the end of the day it happened, and I know I can turn it around,” she concluded.

While everyone else extended support, a former WTA pro came forward to highlight the missing element in Gauff’s current form.

Rennae Stubbs raises a concerning “confidence” whereabouts query for Coco Gauff

Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, conducted a detailed analysis of Coco Gauff’s form following her early exit at the hard court major. Speaking on ESPN to Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, Stubbs noted that the player’s techniques were getting the best of her in pressure situations. She notably questioned Gauff’s confidence on the court, something she felt was key in the match. “Where is Coco’s confidence?” asked Stubbs, highlighting the missing mental aspect in Gauff.

Stubbs also pointed out the serving strategy of Gauff, particularly on her second serve. She said that other players, like Emma Navarro, are always looking to attack, especially when they get a slower second serve. This is what marked one reason for her defeat. And that it seemed like sometimes Gauff slowed her second serve down too much, which then really hurt the value of it.

“The difference with Coco is that sometimes she was hitting at like in a mid-90s second serve, then she was going a little bit slower in the middle. There’s no second serve, that’s the sign. And that’s a problem,” added Stubbs. This comment pointed out the areas where Gauff needs to improve her game if she is to stay competitive at the highest level.