A series of mistakes led to Coco Gauff's exit at the U.S. Open on Sunday. Gauff, the defending champion, faced fellow American Emma Navarro in the fourth round and lost 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite her disappointing performance, Gauff maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging that many players would aspire to have the opportunities she had during the summer. She reflected on her recent results, including reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open and French Open before her early exit at Wimbledon.
Throughout the match, Gauff struggled with her service game, committing 19 double faults and 60 unforced errors. This defeat marked the second time she lost to Navarro in a Grand Slam event this year, following their encounter at Wimbledon.
Looking ahead, Gauff expressed openness to seeking guidance from a specialist coach to improve her serve. She emphasized the mental aspect of her performance, recognizing the need to overcome certain hurdles to enhance her game.
With her elimination from the U.S. Open, Gauff will drop out of the top five in the WTA rankings. Her exit means that Serena Williams remains the last woman to successfully defend the U.S. Open title, achieving the feat in 2014.
As Gauff navigates this setback, she remains determined to elevate her game and bounce back from this defeat. Her resilience and commitment to improvement highlight her potential for future success in the world of professional tennis.