Coco Gauff’s once-unstoppable rise in women’s tennis has hit a troubling plateau, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the 21-year-old American is in a career slump.
Recent Struggles Raise Eyebrows
After a stellar 2023 season, including a US Open title, Gauff’s recent performances have been underwhelming. She suffered straight-set defeats to Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final and to Jasmine Paolini in Rome, both on clay courts where she had previously excelled. In these matches, Gauff accumulated over 70 unforced errors, signaling potential technical issues.
Serve and Forehand Concerns
Gauff’s serve has been a significant concern, with 21 double faults in a single match earlier this year. Despite efforts to refine her serve and forehand with new coach Matt Daly, the improvements have yet to yield consistent results.
Fan Reactions and Future Outlook
The tennis community is divided. Some believe Gauff’s recent losses are temporary setbacks, while others fear they may signal deeper issues. As the French Open begins, all eyes are on Gauff to see if she can overcome these challenges and reclaim her position among the sport’s elite.