“I don’t think I competed well,” is what Coco Gauff concluded after facing an unexpected early exit at the Canadian Open. Although there were many concerns regarding her current form, the 20-year-old still entered the tournament with high hopes of setting things right. However, the efforts don’t really seem to be working for her as she faced a terrible defeat (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) in her opening match rival Yulia Putintseva. Besides losing her credibility as a strong force, what really worries fans is the world No. 2 spot which she gained with immense struggles.

The R32 showdown between Gauff and Putintseva has made it hard for the fans to leave their seats. Although both sides appeared to be even during the initial phase of the showdown, the Kazakh managed to take control and therefore secured the first set and eventually the match in her name. Soon after this happened, the social media channels were stuffed up with conversations regarding Gauff’s diminishing form and Brad Gilbert’s role in it. However, besides all other discussions, what really concerned the fans was a possible drop in rankings that the young American could suffer with this defeat.

According to the current statistics, Gauff is ranked at number second in the world with a total of 7633 points. This number is just slightly above ‘The Tiger’ Aryna Sabalenka, who currently stands with a difference of 267 points. This could be easily covered as Gauff would face a notable 980 points loss if she loses in her opening round match against the Kazakh. The loss would not only make the American slip from her world no.2 spot but would also be a smooth swift for Sabalenka to the position.

The Tiger recently made a gesture to this feat by mentioning that she eyes for smaller goals. “Compared to the last year, it’s a completely different situation, I would say. I mean, even ranking-wise, and last Grand Slam I wasn’t able to play — it’s different things I’m working through. I’m good with the small goals,” she said. This could be well linked to the “small” gap between her and Gauff’s ranking points. While this is a notable concern, Gauff fans dropped comments that seemed to be stuffed up with worries.

“Pls don’t do this”: Fans seem terrified as Gauff struggles in Cincinnati

As soon as Gauff lost the first with a notable difference of two games, fans initiated conversations regarding the possibilities ahead. Although she managed to balance the equation by winning the second set, doubts revolved around her position, mainly because of the loss that she could incur post failing the title defense in Cincinnati.

A fan, reminding everyone of the drastic number (980) that Gauff would lose if Putintseva takes her down, wrote, “980 points really about to drop off all at once I’m screaming 😭😭😭😭😭 coco pls don’t do this.” Although he seemed to be unsatisfied with the current situation, the fan didn’t back down from unleashing his humor with a video reaction.

Another fan, mentioning how a majority of the top-ranked WTA stars have been losing points, wrote, “Everyone in the WTA flopping.” This comment targeted Gauff’s early exit in Toronto, Sabalenka’s quarter-final loss in the same event, and Iga Swiatek’s lack of participation. Adding a touch of humor to the story, he picked world no.36 Alycia Parks to be the new contender for this year’s US Open title.

From winning the tournament back in 2023 to the immense struggles, the match stats told a completely different story about Gauff’s current form. “21 unforced errors from Gauff in the first set,” a fan wrote, highlighting the mistakes that the US Open champion has been making. Along with the errors, the 20-year-old also hit five double faults throughout the match. A number, that could be quite concerning for a player like her.

What could be worse than playing the blame game in the current situation? A fan, dropping the responsibility of her decline on her coach Gilbert, wrote, “She’s no longer a top 20 player……Brad and her family destroyed a great young talent.” This is a major headline under Gauff’s name these days. A majority of the fans think that her current coach is not fit to continue being in his position now.

With these and several other comments on a similar note, the fans made their concerns known to the world. As Gauff stands on the verge of losing her world no.2 slot, it still remains to be seen if she can manage to rise back up and defend her position.