Coco Gauff has had a disappointing start to her 2026 season, which began with her heartbreaking quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open. Since then, the two-time Grand Slam champion has played both events in the Middle East swing, Qatar and Dubai Open, but has failed to win silverware.
She suffered a shocking opening-round exit at the Qatar Open and was subsequently beaten in the semifinals of the Dubai Open by Svitolina yet again. The American’s serving technique and efficiency have been a big talking point, as she leads the WTA circuit in most double faults this year, 103 in 14 matches.
Despite hiring serve specialist Gavin MacMillan, Gauff was evidently frustrated with him during her Dubai Open run. Now her former coach, Brad Gilbert, has identified another problem with the World No. 4’s serve, which he discussed during the latest episode of the “Big T” podcast.
“I know she has been struggling with her serve. 103 double faults in 14 matches is a massive number. But the thing I am most curious about is that in 14 matches this year is only 19 aces. I feel like for someone who can serve as big as she can, that is a low number and should be way up,” Gilbert said.
Alison Riske-Amritraj was there alongside Gilbert on the podcast and agreed with the coach’s analysis about Gauff’s serve, saying:
“I have to agree with you on that. Her mentality in general, knowing that there are flaws in her game, yet knowing all she has been able to accomplish is just remarkable.”
“But I would like to see on the serve that I think she is capable of hitting some high miles per hour… Because she already has so many double faults, what is the harm in going for the first serve? And going for the second serve too? That is something that could really help her,” she added.
Coco Gauff Will Aim to Redeem Herself at the Indian Wells Open in California
Gauff has begun training for the two heavily anticipated WTA 1000 events on her home soil. The Indian Wells Open is set to begin on March 4 and will feature all the top players in the main draw. So far, no one has withdrawn from the event, which is likely to make it a competitive tournament.
After Indian Wells, two WTA 125 events are starting in tandem on March 9, after which all the top names will yet again feature in the Miami Open.
The 21-year-old American is hoping to find some rhythm at these events. She would aim to contend for the titles, thereby ending her disappointing season so far, before defending her title at the French Open in May-June.
Also read:
Coco Gauff Faces Brutal Criticism From Ex-World No. 1 Amid Serving Woes
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