Coco Gauff’s season has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. She’s come so close to victory on multiple occasions, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, only to see those moments slip away. Despite her undeniable skill and gameplay that’s left commentators and peers in awe, she’s struggled to translate those performances into the grand victories her talent suggests. Now, tennis fans are finding themselves divided. Some believe that while Gauff’s play speaks volumes, others highlight that her results haven’t lived up to the expectations set for a player of her caliber.

The American tennis sensation is gearing up to face Paula Badosa in the semi-finals of the China Open. She has demonstrated impressive results given the major setbacks she witnessed especially at the American Swing this year. But despite this sensational gameplay, fans could not back her completely and highlighted that while stats are impressive, it is not good enough for a former World No. 2.

Taking to X, one user shared stats pertaining to Gauff and wrote, “Coco Gauff at Grand Slams + WTA Finals + WTA 1000s + Olympics since Cincinnati 2023: 18 appearances 9 semifinals A 50% semifinal rate at big events for more than a full year is pretty good, I think?” As soon as the post gained traction, it sparked a major debate amongst tennis enthusiasts. 

Several users took to the microblogging platform and highlighted their perspectives on the entire matter. While many believe that this number motivating for a player, several people highlighted that Gauff has failed to convert these into title wins. 

Coco Gauff’s performance leaves fans divided

Taking to X, one user wrote, “So where are titles or finals? She does not win with pressure.” Remember, despite reaching close to grand success, Gauff has failed to win enough titles. She has won only one WTA 250 title at the ASB Classic this year besides her victory in the doubles segment of the French Open. While the star player was expected to return dominantly at the American Swing, she faced major setbacks there as well. While she was ousted in her second match at the Canadian Open, she was baffled in her opener match itself at the Cincinnati Masters. Besides, she advanced only till the fourth round of the US Open. Similar reactions continued to follow from other users as well. 

Responding to the post, one user wrote, “No isn’t,  how big titles did she win this year? 00, and she reached the SF in Beijing because of her cake draw (as always).” Gauff has been often criticized for getting easy draws and failing in front of players ranked above or close to her in the WTA rankings. In the China Open as well, she defeated Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarterfinals who is ranked at 115 which is much lower than Gauff. In the US Open too, Gauff’s path in her initial matches was considered to be a cakewalk for her until she faced Emma Navarro. Hence, many users believe that the stats are only because she got to face players ranked much lower than her. More people joined in the fray with similar responses. 

“Anyone outside of the top 5 players would love to have the season Coco has had,” a user wrote, signifying that while Gauff’s run was pretty good for any player, it was not for a player like Gauff who once held the World No. 2 position. Remember, the series of poor performances and shocking defeats continued to give setbacks to the American star who is now ranked at no. 6. Meanwhile, several users also joined to express their support for the player.

“Yall try so hard to make it seem like she’s having a bad career or something. She’s literally 20 and has accomplished more than many active players,” a user wrote. Gauff has indeed witnessed some great achievements, be it winning a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open or engaging in jaw-dropping brand deals. Besides, she has now emerged as the player with the most number of victories in WTA 1000 tournaments before the age of 21 with 48 wins to her name. 

Yet another user simply highlighted the remarkable stats and wrote, “It is, is true pretty great 😃👍.” As the season evolves, it would be interesting to see if Gauff can overcome the challenges and criticism to win big yet again. Can she lift the title in Beijing? Well, only time will tell.