Coco Gauff and her dreams for a successful title defense at the US Open came down crashing in the fourth round. Following her disappointing exit, the tennis world is concerned with her current coaching team, blasting social media and urging the young talent to switch coaches before her game technique takes more hits. American legend Serena Williams also offered her verdict on Gauff’s game. However, fans were critical of her remarks.

23-time Grand Slam champion, Williams, marked her attendance in New York for the first time in two years since her retirement. Upon her arrival, the American engaged in conversations with Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Grigor Dimitrov. In hopes of offering advice to the former World No. 2, Williams talked to ESPN about what aspects of her game the former can improve. Notably, the 42-year-old said Gauff’s serve could improve.

“I feel like she has a good serve. I think it can be better.” Astonishingly, the former World No. 1 did not find any critique in the young talent’s forehand and urged her to play with aplomb even if she was hitting shots with her ‘wrist or her elbow’. “Wouldn’t change anything on her forehand. That’s literally all she needs to do, just have confidence whether she’s hitting it with her wrist or her elbow.”

Though an interesting take on Gauff’s apparent poor technique, Williams’ comments were subtly dismissed by fans on social media.

Tennis fans shrug off Serena Williams’ insight on Coco Gauff’s game

One tennis fan was quick to point out that Serena Williams’ mention of Coco Gauff’s disastrous serving and an on-point forehand needs correction. Simply, because she has a “history of serving well in big matches,” but “her forehand is not really a weapon, just less of a liability.” Notably, Gauff gained traction for practicing one of the most damaging serves, having the ninth-fastest serve ever on the Tour (128 mph).

Subsequently, multiple fans fan disregarded the 42-year-old’s comments by mentioning that her “forehand has huge technical problems.” Martina Navratilova believes Gauff’s forehand can improve. Her advice was for Gauff to “tweak the grip a little bit” and that she needs “a bigger sweet spot, a bigger hitting zone.” Another fan resonated with them as they wrote that Williams is “delu of she thinks her forehead does not need to be changed.”

For those unaware, the tennis community has lambasted Gauff’s forehand technique, citing issues such as extreme grip, poor technique, and bad contact timing. One tennis fan bluntly decided “to disagree with Serena,” saying that “Coco is far too complex to be efficient, Serena is just trying to be nice and not hate.”

Similarly, another user reiterated this by adding that “Serena is just being nice.” Williams has a reputation of being cordial when talking about other American players publically. She notable shares a complicated history with Sloane Stephens and did not badmouth her in a 2015 press conference either. When asked about their relationship, Williams simply said that she loves seeing any African-American player doing well and that, “I think she’s super cute, so I always root for her.”

Gauff has often voiced how the 23-time Major champion has had a profound impact on her as a youngster. Moreover, the 20-year-old’s mother, Candi, also confirmed that “If it wasn’t for the Williams sisters, Coco would not be a tennis player.” This, by a long shot, only goes to show how the former World No. 1 wouldn’t want to get in Gauff’s bad graces after the former idolizes her.

Moreover, in a heartfelt note penned by the young talent before commencing her maiden Olympic campaign this year, Gauff mentioned how “Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor.”

Overall, it is safe to say that Williams was trying to dodge negative remarks following a critical take on Gauff’s game. While that happened regardless, we’d like to know your opinion on the 20-year-old current form. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.