Coco Gauff exits US Open fourth round, coach critiques performance

Coco Gauff faced a disappointing exit in the fourth round of the US Open, losing to Emma Navarro in a match that highlighted her struggles with serving. Gauff, the third seed, recorded 19 double faults compared to just 14 winners, raising concerns about her confidence and technique. Rennae Stubbs, a former coach of Serena Williams, publicly critiqued Gauff's performance during an ESPN discussion, questioning her mental state and pointing out flaws in her serving technique, particularly her grip and elbow position. In the aftermath of her defeat, Gauff acknowledged her serving issues, indicating a desire to seek external advice, including possibly hiring a biomechanics coach. She recognized that her struggles might also stem from mental barriers, despite her ability to practice effectively. Gauff expressed her determination to improve, stating she does not want to experience similar losses in the future. Gauff's recent performances have led to speculation about her coaching situation, with fans suggesting she consider parting ways with Brad Gilbert, her current coach. This season has been a mixed bag for Gauff, featuring semifinal appearances at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but also early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open. Nick Kyrgios has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Gilbert, having openly offered to coach Gauff on social media. As Gauff reflects on her performance and seeks to make necessary adjustments, the tennis community watches closely to see how she will respond to this challenging moment in her career.