It was 3-5 in the final set. Coco Gauff was serving to stay in the match – to stay in the tournament and to continue her title defense. But just as she stepped up to the baseline, the 20-year-old heard commotion in the crowd. Kids gathered around the court-level seats, hoping to get autographs as Gauff and Emma Navarro left Arthur Ashe Stadium. That was an omen. Gauff knew it. While security made the kids return to their seats out of respect for the players, that did end up being the last game of the match.

Fallen stars. That’s been the story of this year’s US Open. After the men’s draw saw defending champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz make shock exits, Coco Gauff joined them on New York’s scrap heap. Crashing out in the fourth round in tears after failing to execute a successful title defense at Flushing Meadows, the World No. 3 made a damning admission, something that can result in a future change-up in her team.

Hopes of digging deep at the hardcourt event went in vain after Gauff succumbed to Navarro under the lights on Monday, September 2. A flurry of 60 unforced errors and a mammoth 19 double faults (11 in the final set) compared to only 14 winners led to a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss to her countrywoman. Following her disappointing exit, the No. 3 seed expressed dissatisfaction with her dropped serve rate.

In a post-match presser, Gauff highlighted the need for a second opinion on her serving techniques, subtly implying that she could be hunting for a new coach soon. “I definitely wanna get other opinions. It’s sometimes more of an emotional, mental thing ’cause if I go out on the practice court right now, I would make like 30 serves in a row. I wanna look at other things ’cause I don’t wanna lose matches like this anymore.” For those unaware, the 20-year-old’s coach, Brad Gilbert, has come under fire from the tennis world several times this season.

After enduring back-to-back losses to lower-ranked players (Gauff lost to Putintseva in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters), the American’s coach was blamed for not rectifying her poor form. Though Gauff tried her level best to remedy her ongoing serve issues, having taken to the courts to practice serving immediately after her second-round win in New York, she hasn’t had much luck. And Brad Gilbert came under even more fire thanks to Rennae Stubbs dressing down on live TV.

In a post-match interview, Stubbs asked Gilbert, “Where is Coco’s confidence [while serving]?” His reply was similar to what Gauff said. “We go to the practice courts, and it’s been fine. Hasn’t been a problem. For me, the most important thing that you’ve gotta get right is to hit one speed.” But that’s the thing. None of Coco Gauff’s second serves are the same speed. As important as hitting an effective serve is, it’s more important to actually get it inside the box, which Gauff has been struggling with. Rennae Stubbs explained,

“There’s no second serve that’s the same, and that’s a problem. So, under pressure, bad technique breaks down… you’ve gotta be able to hit your spots on a second serve under pressure.” 

Playing against someone like Emma Navarro, who pounces on every opportunity she gets, it was important for Gauff to have a consistent serve she could rely on. But during the off-season, she worked with Andy Roddick, who changed her technique. While that was working for the 20-year-old to begin the year with, it’s not working in her favor when she most needs it.

All things considered, Gauff isn’t happy. Moreover, the American believes the lack of efficient services is what earned her thrashing from Navarro.

Coco Gauff on her fourth round exit: “I gave it my all”

Disturbing as it is, Gauff will need some time to come to terms with her fourth-round exit. Naturally, bowing out to her countrywoman for the second time at the Grand Slam stage (lost in Wimbledon R4 to Navarro) requires some deep reflection. However, Gauff believes the results would’ve favored her had her serves been on point against the 23-year-old.

She said, “Mentally and emotionally, I gave it my all. But there’s things execution-wise where I wish I could serve better. I think if I would have [done] that, it would have been a different story for me in the match.”

With this, it is yet to be determined whether the American talent decides to switch gears within her coaching team. One thing is certain, though: the World No. 3 will be looking to thwart the shadow of doubt in her abilities that’s cast itself over her. What are your thoughts on her shortcomings? Let us know in the comments.