Serena Williams’ ex-coach reveals Coco Gauff’s “technical problems” after a disappointing run at the Sunshine Double

Coco Gauff suffered a successive Round of 16 loss at the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open after consecutive losses at the Middle East swing.

Serena Williams’ ex-coach reveals Coco Gauff’s “technical problems” after a disappointing run at the Sunshine Double

Coco Gauff (via Instagram @cocogauff)

Coco Gauff has been under a heavy spotlight since this season began. The American ended 2024, winning two big titles, but has failed to reach a tournament semi-finals this year. Her growing disappointing form has made Serena Williams‘ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs evaluate the problems with her style of play.

Gauff began the season helping Team USA reclaim the United Cup glory in January. She looked to have continued with the form at the Australian Open, but a shocking loss against Paula Badosa forced her to exit the tournament in the quarter-finals. After that, she failed to redeem herself and has not been the same player since.

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She performed so poorly in the Middle East swing as she failed to register even one win. Arriving for the Sunshine Double, she revealed to the press that she was aiming to change the tide, but it came blowing her back after she crashed out of the Indian Wells and Miami Open in the round of 16, losing to players outside the Top 20.

Gauff’s error-stricken display and poor serves are now worrying. Rennae Stubbs issued a brutal honest assessment of her serves during an episode of her podcast. The Grand Slam doubles champion believes that Gauff’s serve will continue to be her Achilles heel.

With Coco, the ball toss is just all over the shop. She doesn’t get behind her enough. Her grip is wrong. I think her elbow gets super low and so close to her body. The left arm drops down. There are so many little technical things that are going to be a problem for her going forward forever. Because it doesn’t just go away. Billie Jean King always said bad technique breaks down under pressure. That is unfortunately going to be a problem for her forever unless she addresses that again because you cannot be serving 11, 12, 13, 14 double faults a match.

Rennae Stubbs said via Rennae Stubbs podcast

Gauff’s strength has always been on the hard court, and with the first-half of the the swing over, she now has work to harder in the European clay season. She’s expected to play in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, which starts on April 12.

Rennae Stubbs predicts Coco Gauff has a chance of winning the French Open

Coco Gauff failed to win a clay title last season despite playing her best tennis. Her best run in big tournaments on that surface was in the 2022 French Open, where she finished as runners-up after losing to Iga Swiatek in the final. Rennae Stubbs believes the 21-year-old will succeed at the clay Grand Slam event this year.

Coco Gauff (2)
Coco Gauff (Image via X/WTA)

We love Coco and we talk about her all the time. I am sure on clay she can get away with it a little more. She doesn’t need to go for the big bomb on the first serve because her ability on the baseline is so good. Clay, for me, I think if she is going to win another Grand Slam it would be on clay or obviously on a hard court again but we always pull for her.

Rennae Stubbs said

The French Open is expected to begin on Sunday, 25 of May in Paris. Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have always played great tennis on the surface, which will make it very unlikely for Gauff to win.

Legendary coach gives Coco Gauff serious advice ahead of the clay season

Coco Gauff parted ways with legendary coach Brad Gilbert last season after a run of poor form. She made the decision after she was heavily criticized for her poor service. The 21-year-old is currently in partnership with Matt Daly, but there seems to be little improvements. Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rick Macci, took to social media to advise her.

The best way for Coco to visit the END ZONE more often is get out of her COMFORT ZONE. If you just try to RENT IT NOW with the proper science based technical adaptations you can OWN IT LATER. Unlimited upside for the best pure athlete on tour.

Rick Macci write on X

Gauff’s last title came at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The American came from behind to win the match after Qinwen Zheng lost the momentum. She has failed to reach a semi-final on tour since then.