Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has recently been at the center of coaching critiques, particularly from former world No. 1 doubles player Rennae Stubbs. Stubbs has pointed out technical flaws in Gauff’s game, especially concerning her forehand and serve. She emphasized that under pressure, Gauff’s technique tends to break down, citing issues with her elbow positioning and grip, which affect her serve consistency.
These observations came after Gauff’s unexpected fourth-round exit at the 2024 U.S. Open, where she was defeated by fellow American Emma Navarro. During this match, Gauff struggled significantly with her serve, recording 19 double faults. This performance led to increased scrutiny of her technical approach and coaching strategies.
In the aftermath, Gauff and her coach, Brad Gilbert, decided to part ways. Gilbert had been instrumental in Gauff’s 2023 U.S. Open victory, but following a series of less-than-stellar results, including the recent U.S. Open performance, they mutually agreed to end their partnership.
The critiques from Stubbs and the coaching change highlight the ongoing challenges Gauff faces in refining her game. Addressing these technical issues will be crucial for her future success on the court.