Coco Gauff, a rising star in the world of tennis, faced yet another harrowing moment during her semifinal match at the Dubai Open, where her ongoing serving woes came to the forefront. The American sensation, known for her tenacity and skill on the court, visibly expressed her frustration towards her support team after struggling with her serve once again. This incident has left fans and analysts alike questioning the future of her game as she grapples with persistent serving issues.
In a match against Elina Svitolina, Gauff's serve faltered spectacularly, leading to a staggering 12 double faults throughout the encounter. This is not just a bump in the road; it highlights a troubling trend for the 21-year-old, who recorded a jaw-dropping 431 double faults last season—the highest among elite WTA players. Despite seeking help from biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan in her quest for improvement, Gauff’s serve remains far from the level expected of a two-time Grand Slam champion.
During the match, as the pressure mounted, Gauff turned towards her box and vented her frustrations with an impactful statement: “I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for the last 6 months.” This moment encapsulated her despair and determination, showcasing the immense pressure athletes face at the highest levels of competition.
Despite these struggles, Gauff demonstrated incredible resilience against Svitolina. After losing the first set 4-6 and trailing in the second, she rallied back, saving four match points and ultimately claiming the set in a marathon 85-minute battle. However, her efforts were ultimately in vain as Svitolina triumphed in the final set, sealing the match with a score of 4-6, 7-6(13), 4-6.
Svitolina praised Gauff's fighting spirit in her post-match interview, calling her a “big fighter.” She acknowledged the challenges Gauff has faced and commended her ability to battle back against adversity. “Coco is such a big fighter. You know I was expecting that she would come back in a match. She has won so many big battles, big tournaments, and for sure, I had to keep fighting,” Svitolina said, highlighting the respect she has for her younger opponent.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to return to the court at the Indian Wells Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 event scheduled from March 4 to 15. With fierce competitors like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina also in the mix, Gauff will be eager to overcome her recent challenges and pursue her first title at this significant tournament. The tennis world waits with bated breath to see how this young star will respond to the pressures of the game and whether she can harness her undeniable talent to turn her fortunes around.
