Coco Gauff’s Tennis Career Under Fire: Will She Overcome the Curse of Double Faults?
Young tennis sensation Coco Gauff is facing intense scrutiny as her recurring issue with double faults continues to plague her performances on the court. With a staggering 430 double faults in just 71 matches last year, averaging over six per game, the problem is undeniable. Even in the current season, the trend persists, with matches like the Australian Open quarterfinals where she committed 41 unforced errors, including 28 missed forehands and six double faults. The pressure mounted further during the Indian Wells opener, witnessing a shocking 21 double faults against Moyuka Uchijima, indicating that technical adjustments were not yielding results. The disappointment continued at the Miami Open, where 12 double faults tainted her match against Magda Linette.
Serena Williams’ former coach pointed out that Gauff’s double faults could haunt her career indefinitely, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue promptly. Rennae Stubbs, a prominent figure in tennis, dissected Gauff’s technique flaw, attributing it to her grip and elbow positioning. Despite a coaching change and a title win at the China Open in 2024, Gauff’s struggle with double faults persisted, raising concerns about her ability to perform under pressure.
In a recent podcast episode, tennis players discussed Gauff’s performance at the Sunshine Double tournaments, shedding light on her challenges with consistency and technique. Stubbs highlighted the impact of “bad technique under pressure,” emphasizing the need for Gauff to make significant improvements to her game. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Gauff on clay courts, where her performance has been more promising in the past.
Following her defeat at the 2025 Miami Open, Gauff expressed her frustration with her recent performances but remained determined to overcome her shortcomings. Despite facing criticism for consecutive losses earlier in the season, she maintained her confidence and resilience, acknowledging that setbacks are a part of the sport. With the upcoming Stuttgart Open on the horizon, Gauff’s fans are hopeful that she will use this opportunity to address her challenges and prepare for the upcoming clay-court Grand Slams.
As the tennis world watches closely, the question remains: Can Coco Gauff rise above the scrutiny and fulfill her potential on the court?
