Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Explains Why Coco Gauff’s 2025 Season Was ‘Disappointing’ Despite French Open Win

Coco Gauff lifted titles at the French Open and the Wuhan Open by defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, respectively.

Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Explains Why Coco Gauff’s 2025 Season Was ‘Disappointing’ Despite French Open Win

Coco Gauff (Image via X/Coco Gauff News)

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Coco Gauff had a disappointing season, according to Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rennae Stubbs. This year, Gauff clinched two titles from four finals.

After multiple first-round exits earlier this year, the 21-year-old reached the final of the Madrid Open only to suffer defeat at the hands of World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. At the Italian Open as well, Gauff reached the title clash but failed to go past home favorite Jasmine Paolini.

Gauff made her third consecutive final, this time at the French Open. She came from a set down to deny Sabalenka the title, becoming the Grand Slam champion for the second time. Gauff, however, couldn’t continue her winning ways, as she suffered multiple first-round exits in the next few tournaments.

She has put it out there that she wants to be one of the greatest of all time. That’s her words, not mine. She has consistently put it out there and not been afraid to say she wants to be as great as Venus [Williams] or Serena [Williams]. I’m like, okay, well, they won a lot of major titles when they were 18, 19, or 20. They were racking them up at your age. Okay, you have two, which is unbelievable. At your age, to do what you have done is incredible.

Rennae Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast

Gauff then reached her last final of the season, this time, at the Wuhan Open. She ended the match in her favor by going past compatriot Jessica Pegula.

So I’m like, okay, if you want to get to 20, you have to win two for 10 more years, or you have to win a lot in a short period of time, depending on how long you want to play for. So I think in some respects that is disappointing because she wants to rack them up.

Rennae Stubbs added

Gauff also reached the WTA Finals, but the then-defending champion failed to progress to the semifinals. She defeated Poalini in the round-robin stage, but lost matches to Pegula and Sabalenka.

Anna Chakvetadze gives her take on the current state of the WTA Tour by citing Coco Gauff’s example

On the men’s tour, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are dominating a lot, as since 2024, they have taken home a combined 26 titles from 35 finals, which also includes the last eight Grand Slam titles. But many think the WTA Tour has become inconsistent after the retirement of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams.

Coco Gauff (via X/Jose Morgado)
Coco Gauff (via X/Jose Morgado)

Even though Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff have dominated in recent years, former player Anna Chakvetadze thinks the WTA has become more open in recent years. She said during an interview with Tennis365:

I feel that today’s WTA Tour has become more even overall. Of course, there are players who clearly stand out because of their physical qualities and athleticism. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff are all outstanding and very interesting players to watch. But in general, the tour feels more balanced than before. At the same time, I would say it has become a bit less diverse in terms of playing styles compared to my era.

Sabalenka took home four titles from nine finals, including the US Open. Swiatek, on the other hand, won three titles, including Wimbledon, from four finals. Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff finished the season at the No.1, No.2, and No.3 positions on the rankings table, respectively.

While Gauff and Swiatek are enjoying the off-season, Sabalenka has been playing in exhibition events. On December 28, she will lock horns with Nick Kyrgios in the Battle of the Sexes.

Also read: Australian Open Director Not Confident Nick Kyrgios Will Get a Wild Card to the Tournament