In a match that tested her resilience and determination, World No. 3 Coco Gauff overcame a staggering 21 double faults to secure a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4) victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. This hard-fought win marked Gauff’s return to form after a series of early exits in recent tournaments.
Gauff’s performance was marred by an uncharacteristically high number of unforced errors, totaling 74, alongside her 21 double faults—a statistic that matched her career high. Despite these challenges, Gauff managed to find a way to win, showcasing her mental fortitude and competitive spirit. Reflecting on her performance, she candidly described it as “D tennis,” acknowledging the need for improvement but also finding confidence in her ability to win under less-than-ideal circumstances.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Gauff initially took control, capturing the first set 6-4. However, Uchijima fought back in the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve multiple times to take it 6-3. The third set saw Gauff racing to a 4-0 lead, but her serving woes resurfaced, allowing Uchijima to claw back into the match. Gauff failed to serve out the match twice, leading to a tense tiebreaker. Ultimately, Gauff’s experience and resilience shone through as she clinched the tiebreak 7-4 on her fifth match point.
This victory holds particular significance for Gauff, as it ended a three-match losing streak that included early exits in Doha and Dubai, and a quarter-final loss at the Australian Open. She expressed relief and positivity about returning to the winner’s circle, stating, “It’s been a rough couple of weeks, and I’m just happy to get a win on the court.”
Gauff’s serving issues have been a topic of discussion among tennis analysts. Renowned coach Rick Macci, who previously worked with Serena Williams, commented on Gauff’s serve mechanics, suggesting that minor adjustments could rectify the biomechanical disconnect in her serve. Macci believes that with proper guidance, these flaws can be corrected in less than an hour, potentially transforming Gauff’s game.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the third round. Sakkari, a two-time finalist at Indian Wells, defeated Gauff in last year’s semi-finals. Gauff anticipates a challenging match, acknowledging Sakkari’s aggressive playstyle and athleticism. She emphasized the importance of focusing on her own game and being prepared for a physically demanding encounter.
Despite the evident areas for improvement, Gauff’s ability to secure a win while not playing her best tennis is a testament to her resilience. As she continues to refine her game, particularly her serve, Gauff remains a formidable competitor on the WTA tour, with the potential to overcome these challenges and achieve greater success in the tournaments ahead.