Coco Gauff out of words after meek surrender to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon 2023

The American tennis prodigy vows to work harder and make improvements following her first-round loss.

Coco Gauff out of words after meek surrender to Sofia Kenin in the first round of Wimbledon 2023

Coco Guaff (Credits:- The San DIego Union-Tribune)

World No. 7 Coco Gauff was stunned in the first round of Wimbledon by fellow American player Sofia Kenin on Monday. Kenin ousted Gauff in a thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 match. The young tennis prodigy had gotten off to a fast start in her match against Kenin, and her aggressive style had put her colleague on the back foot.

Her approach, though, proved her undoing in the opening set, as she began to misplace and mistime her shots. Ultimately allowing Kenin to take advantage of the situation. Kenin eventually won the match in two hours and three minutes.

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Reflecting on the defeat, Coco realized that her current level of effort might not be enough after her previous failure. In the post-match press conference, she said, “I feel like I’ve been working hard, but it’s clearly not enough.” The defeat prompted her to reconsider her strategy and discover opportunities for improvement.

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The American stressed the significance of returning to the drawing board and determining where she needs to make improvements. “I have to go back to the drawing board and see where I need to improve and how to do the right drills to do that,” said the 19-year-old. She had a pretty rough time on the grass court, but reaching the semis of the Eastbourne Championship boosted her confidence.

Related: “Overrated” – Coco Gauff’s dismal display in the first round of Wimbledon 2023 makes her a laughingstock for fans

How has Coco Guaff’s year been so far?

Coco Guaff
Coco Guaff (Credits:- GMA)

Gauff began her 2023 season at the Auckland Open, where she defeated Rebeka Masarova in straight sets in the final. Eventually, she got to the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open, where she was defeated in straight sets by Jelena Ostapenko. Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Qatar Total Open after defeating two-time champion Petra Kvitová in the second round. 

She reached the semifinals of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships after defeating Madison Keys in the quarterfinals before falling to world number one Iga Swiatek. She lost in the quarterfinals of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open to the second seed and eventual runner-up, Aryna Sabalenka. Coco had some struggles on the grass courts, but somehow she reached the semi-finals of the Eastbourne Championship before falling to fellow American player Madison Keys.

Recently, she confirmed that there have been talks between her father and professional tennis coach Rick Macci. Macci had coached players like Andy Rodick, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams. He can be roped in for a potential partnership and work on Guaff’s forehand, which he believes is where she is lacking. Maybe changing her coach can bring her back to the path of winning again. But for now, she has to accept her failure and face the criticism hurled at her.

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