Grand Slams are the ultimate test, where even the best players can feel the heat. As the US Open unfolds, defending champion Coco Gauff is finding it tough to keep her momentum against Elina Svitolina. The pressure is real, and it’s showing. In a candid moment during a conversation with her coach, Gauff admitted that she’s struggling to dominate the match. The challenge is on, and all eyes are on Gauff to see how she’ll fight through this rough patch. 

Gauff was seen struggling during her third-round match against Svitolina. The American star failed to dominate her Ukrainian counterpart and lost the first set by 6-3. The frustration was evident on her face and it was eventually unleashed at her coach Brad Gilbert, during the changeovers. 

The star player was heard admitting to “missing so many in the net,” as she approached Gilbert. This signified the challenges that the defending US Open champion is facing. Gauff shot two double faults and several unforced errors in the first set and also failed to convert three break points when the set was tied at 3-3, thereby paving the way for her opponent. The frustration of Gauff, meanwhile, can be justified especially because of the kind of season she has had.

The 20-year-old failed to perform extensively at any Grand Slam this year, except for her doubles run at the French Open. Besides, she has struggled immensely in the American hardcourt swing as well. She was whisked out in the second round of the Canadian Open and in her opening match at the Cincinnati Masters. This, however, is not the first time when Gauff has engaged in such a fiery exchange with Gilbert. 

Gauff had a verbal tussle with Gilbert during her fourth-round clash against Emma Navarro at Wimbledon. Trailing behind in the match, the American player looked towards her box in the second set, wanting some help. “Tell me something. You guys aren’t saying anything,” the reigning US Open winner shouted in frustration. A puzzled Brad Gilbert tried to give her a plan B through gestures, but it didn’t work out eventually, as Gauff lost the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. But irrespective of the challenges she is facing, the American star is determined to clinch the title again.

“I’m Gonna Do It Again” – Coco Gauff’s determined words at the US Open

Coco Gauff might not have witnessed a sensational season so far but her determination has remained intact at the final Grand Slam of the year. The star player is keen to win big yet again and defend her title at Flushing Meadows. 

Speaking after her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva, Gauff engaged in an on-court interview as she revealed her source of motivation ahead of her campaign. “Somebody commented on my tik tok and they were just like ‘You won in life literally and figuratively, and there is no point feeling pressure on yourself’,” Gauff said. The advice was taken seriously by the World No. 3.

“So I am just treating this tournament like that. If you defend something that means you won something and if you did it that means you can do it again. So… I am gonna do it again,” Gauff added. 

As the third round match and eventually the tournament unfolds, it will be interesting to see if Gauff keeps her determination intact and wins big in New York once again. What do you think?