What a showdown it was! Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka locked horns at the Wuhan Open in one of the most intense matches of the season. But despite Gauff’s resilience and determination, the match ended in heartbreak for the American star as she fell short of reaching the finals. Now, as the dust settles, the conversation has shifted to Gauff’s game—specifically, her serve technique. With so much potential and raw talent, many believe that this is the area that might be holding her back. And among those voicing concerns is none other than Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rennae Stubbs.

Sabalenka defeated Gauff in a thrilling 3-setter match by 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. She will now be playing against Qinwen Zheng in the finals of the tournament and will look forward to continuing her winning streak at the venue. But for Gauff, the challenge is immense as she is witnessing some concerned voices over her service game, and the latest to join the fray was Rennae Stubbs. 

Taking to X, Stubbs wrote, “Amazing how good the standard was for the Gauff Sabalenka match, with one exception. If Coco can fix this 2nd serve technique she isn’t going to lose much playing like this. Hitting the ground strokes huge and playing so well right now. Gutsy win in the end for Aryna.” Indeed, the major reason behind Gauff’s defeat was her service game on Saturday.

The 20-year-old fired 4 aces but these were overshadowed by her 21 double faults in the match. With this, Coco Gauff set up a new record for hitting most double faults during a singles match in her nascent career. Gauff has been struggling with her serve lately. Her New York title defense ended prematurely because of her issues with the serve. 

Remember, Gauff also parted ways with her former coach Brad Gilbert, and joined forces with Matt Daly for her future endeavors. She, in fact, highlighted that her main focus as part of her new partnership is to improve her service game but the reality is far from that. Gauff’s problems were also highlighted by Sabalenka after the match who sympathized with the American sensation.

Speaking in the post-match interview, Aryna Sabalenka said, “I was playing that match thinking, Girl I feel u like nobody else. I know what she’s going through.” However, she did not fail to encourage the American sensation. “This is really tough but I know if she overcomes this serve situation, she already 1 of the best players, but I’m pretty sure she’s gonna be 1 of the greatest.”

For the unversed, Gauff has shot 382 double faults in her 63 matches this season so far, taking her average to more than six. But amidst the criticism that Gauff is facing, she is poised to shed more sweat to improve her service game.

“I just need time,” Coco Gauff shares true feelings on technique problems

Coco Gauff had a rollercoaster of a campaign in the Wuhan Open when it came to her service games. While she did not hit a single double fault in her first and third matches, there were just 4 double faults in her second match, which was also below her average. However, her match against Sabalenka turned out to be surprising even for her. 

Speaking about her poor service game, Gauff said, “I am working on new things, a slightly different movement, and it is logical that I may encounter problems. I was very surprised at how well my serve worked in Beijing.” Continuing further, she revealed that she reached Wuhan somewhat tired, but tried to depict a positive outlook. “I took many positive things from coming close to beating one of the best in the world despite my poor serving performance handicap. I think I just need time and to keep working,” Gauff added. 

As the season progresses, it will be essential for Coco Gauff to overcome the struggling phase when it comes to her service game. Can she bounce back stronger? Well, only time will tell.