Coco Gauff Frustated Being Unable to Translate Practice Sessions into Tennis Matches After Doha Exit
Coco Gauff couldn't silence her critics after Australian Open defeat.
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Coco Gauff (via Punto de Break)
- Coco Gauff exited the Qatar Open in straight sets, losing to Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
- Gauff expressed frustration over her inability to translate practice success into match performance.
- Cocciaretto's victory marked her third career win over a Top 10 player, showcasing her talent.
It wasn’t the headline anyone expected to write this early in the week. The tennis world was stunned when world No. 5 Coco Gauff bowed out of the Qatar Open 2026 in straight sets. Facing Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto—a formidable player, but one ranked outside the top 50—Gauff struggled to find her rhythm, ultimately falling 6-4, 6-2.
For fans who have watched Gauff’s meteoric rise, this loss feels different. It wasn’t just about getting outplayed on the day; it was about the mental hurdles and tactical mismatches that seemed to be lingering. Gauff said in her post-match press conference:
I just feel like I haven’t showed up with my best level the last few matches. I’m just looking to find that again. I just feel like some of the things I’ve been working on in practice aren’t translating to the match court, which is super frustrating. I’ve been having good practices, but just not playing well in the matches. I just need to find how it can translate.
Beyond the mechanics of her swing, the mental aspect of the game is drawing attention. Gauff admitted that she hasn’t fully “shown up” mentally in recent matches. Despite her high ranking and past Grand Slam success, confidence can be a fragile thing in tennis.
She described experiencing a “mental block” in Doha. When the viewers combine a tactical mismatch with a dip in self-belief, it’s a recipe for an upset. Fans on social media have been reacting to her honesty with a mix of support and concern.
A tough day at the office for Coco Gauff
The second-round match was supposed to be a routine stepping stone for Coco Gauff. Instead, it turned into a showcase for Cocciaretto’s aggressive baseline game. The Italian player, who entered the main draw only after a withdrawal, wasted no time seizing the opportunity.
The turning point came midway through the first set. With the score locked at 3-3, the two engaged in a grueling 33-shot rally. When Cocciaretto came out on top, the momentum shifted entirely. She saved break points in her final service games to take the first set, leaving Gauff scrambling for answers.
Things didn’t improve in the second set. Cocciaretto broke Gauff’s serve immediately, capitalizing on what would become a tally of 39 unforced errors from the American star. For Gauff, the shots just weren’t landing, and the frustration was visible.
This is another setback for Gauff, who is looking forward to building on her previous accolades. With Elena Rybakina‘s Australian Open success and Roland Garros defense coming closer, the young American is going to have a hard time protecting her top 5 ranking.
A breakthrough for Elisabetta Cocciaretto
While much of the focus is on Coco Gauff, credit must be given where it’s due. Elisabetta Cocciaretto played the match of her life. This victory marked her third career win over a Top 10 player, adding to previous upsets at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Cocciaretto later mentioned she drew inspiration from fellow Italian Sofia Goggia, who had just won a bronze medal in skiing. Riding that wave of national pride and personal confidence, she now advances to face Ann Li, proving that on any given day, the depth of talent on the WTA tour means no seed is safe.
For Gauff, the road to redemption starts now. The talent is undeniable, but the puzzle pieces need to be put back together before the next big showdown.
Also Read: Sebastian Baez Says ‘Predictable’ Jannik Sinner ‘Suffocates’ His Opponents: “He’s a Machine”
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