“Bad Technique Breaks”- Coco Gauff Comes Under Scrutiny as Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Highlights a Career-Long Concern

Coco Gauff and double faults go hand in hand. And the statistics speak volumes. Last year’s staggering 430 double faults in 71 outings – an average of over six per match – stood as the most among the Top 50 WTA players in the PIF Rankings. And the new season has offered little respite. Her first loss of the year at the Australian Open QFs saw her record 41 unforced errors, including 28 missed forehands and six double-faults. Then came the Indian Wells opener, where a staggering 21 double faults against Moyuka Uchijima signaled that technical adjustments were falling short. The Miami Open brought further disappointment, with 12 double faults marring her match against Magda Linette. As this pattern persists, the pressure mounts. With Serena Williams’ former coach voicing how Gauff’s DF’s can “be a problem for her going forward forever.”

On the latest episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis podcast, dated March 31, 2025, Andrea Petkovic joined Stubbs to recap an eventful Sunshine Double. The topics of discussion ranged from the uncertainty surrounding the future of men’s tennis, where established figures are fading and newcomers struggle for consistency to Aryna Sabalenka and the women’s game stepping into the spotlight. Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champ’s Indian Wells and Miami Open campaign, was sure to come to the forefront of the discussion. “Her grip is wrong,” Stubbs admitted firmly before dissecting the deeper mechanics of the flaw.

“I think her elbow gets super low and sort of so close to her body. The left arm jumps down,” she continued.

In a bid to fix it, the 2023 US Open champion took a bold step. Ahead of the 2024 China Open, she appointed coach Matt Daly. And it was an instant success, as she won her eighth career title, first in nine months. “I think it was just time to do a reset, a refresh, and add some things in my game that I felt like I need to do to have a better season next year,” Gauff said after winning the title. But reality struck hard just 10 days later at the Wuhan Open.

In the semifinal match against Aryna Sabalenka, she delivered a staggering 21 double faults, the most of any player in any match on tour last year. Then came WTA Finals, where although she lifted the trophy, her serve faltered again. Gauff committed 11 double faults in her match against Iga Swiatek in the Group Stage. “You can’t change the past. I’m in the process of changing things. There’s going to be good days and bad days,” she admitted afterwards, trying to keep faith in her abilities.

Further in the conversation, Stubbs echoed Billie Jean King’s wisdom, saying: “Bad technique breaks down under pressure.” Yet, amid the concern, Stubbs offered a glimmer of hope: clay courts might be Gauff’s saving grace as “she doesn’t need to go for the big bomb on the first serve because her ability on the baseline is so good.”

READ MORE : “I Saw Your Elton,” Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe’s Girlfriend Unexpectedly Bond…

For Gauff, her clay court record is quite impressive. Her most significant achievement on this surface came in 2022 when she reached the Roland Garros finals. Despite her loss against Swiatek, her performance proved her to be one of the players with potential on the clay surface. Therefore, Stubbs’ prediction might come true, but for that, Gauff seriously needs to reconsider her serve and her grip.

Well, the cloud of continuous double fault errors has disappointed Coco Gauff as well. But there is a silver lining.

Coco Gauff mentioned about “trying to figure” out her shortcomings

After exiting the 2025 Miami Open following a straight set loss against Magda Linette by 4-6 and 4-6, Gauff laid bare her feelings. “It wasn’t great today. It hasn’t been the last few weeks — I’m trying to figure that out. Definitely not happy about it… just one of those days when I felt awful in everything on the court,” she exclaimed. However, shortly after, she found a way to cope with her disappointment.

“would say that the first night I was like still thinking about the things that went on in that match. You know, I felt like it was decided by a couple of points. And then after that, I flew home and then what did I do? Oh, I took off like four days; four-five days. My boyfriend came to town so I hung out with him,” Coco revealed.

Pior to her loss in the 2025 Miami Open, Gauff managed to retain her confidence. Although she was criticized for consecutive losses in Dubai and Doha, the 2023 US Open champion said, “I don’t know, everybody makes a bigger deal than what it is… I lost two matches. I’ll lose more matches back to back, it’s going to happen.”

Coco Gauff’s next run in the 2025 Stuttgart Open brings a lot of hope for her fans and probably herself. They believe this platform might help Gauff diagnose her issues and offer her a chance to prepare for the clay-court Grand Slams. Do you think the WTA star can keep up with her fans’ expectations?

“I Saw Your Elton,” Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe’s Girlfriend Unexpectedly Bond at Indian Wells Over Mutual Interests

Imagine a world where tennis meets fashion, and you’ve got Coco Gauff, the undisputed fashion icon of the tennis scene. She effortlessly blends on-court flair with off-court sophistication, captivating fans and peers alike with her superhero-inspired outfits. Those bold cutouts? Straight out of Marvel’s playbook, paying homage to the female heroes we all love. And it’s not just fans who are impressed—Gauff’s friends in the American tennis scene, including stylish WAGs like Ayan Broomfield, can’t stop raving about her style.

During Indian Wells, Ayan Broomfield filmed behind-the-scenes moments for her YouTube channel. She captured Frances preparing for his first match against Damir Džumhur. At the venue, the couple bumped into Coco Gauff outside the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Coco complimented Ayan’s fashion choice, saying, “I saw your Elton…was it the Elton John concert you went to?”

She praised Ayan’s stunning silver ensemble from the 33rd annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. The outfit featured a sleek silhouette, intricate detailing, and golden accents from an elegant bracelet, bangles, shimmering earrings, and silver heels.

Ayan Broomfield, deeply into fashion and having worked with brands like Hermès, Burberry, Brunello Cucinelli, and Zimmermann, couldn’t help but mention Coco’s look at the Oscars. Coco Gauff attended the event on March 2 in a custom yellow Miu Miu gown, accompanied by her mother, Candi Gauff. Ayan said, “I think you actually had like the best situation. Wait, what were you wearing?” Coco replied, “It was Miu Miu.”

The vlog concluded with Frances’ first win at the tournament, showcasing the camaraderie among American tennis players. Despite their closeness, Coco humorously pondered whether she’d call Frances in an emergency, offering a hilarious take on men’s tennis.

READ MORE : Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic, Indian Wells Open 2025 round of 16: Head-to-head…

On March 11, Coco Gauff brought her signature humor to a WTA interaction. When asked who she wouldn’t call in an emergency, she didn’t miss a beat: “Definitely Frances Tiafoe.” This playful jab wasn’t out of character for Coco, who loves trading jokes with Frances Tiafoe. Remember when she teased him about his 2023 US Open outfit, saying he was “wearing confetti”? Or when she playfully mocked his serve with, “Look at his serve, it sucks”? Their banter is pure comedy gold! But Coco didn’t stop there.

She tried to balance her choice by mentioning a WTA player, but then she dropped a cheeky bombshell: she’d trust any WTA player over an ATP star. “Yeah, either Frances Tiafoe on the men and on the women…I feel like women are just better and smarter, so I can’t really think of somebody off the top of my head that wouldn’t be good. So I’m just honestly gonna stick with Frances. I feel like that’s a man question,” she quipped. It’s clear Coco knows how to keep things light and fun!

Coco’s got a knack for handling tough questions with humor and ease. After her lighthearted assertion about women being smarter than men, she quickly added, “No offense, you guys,” diffusing any tension. Despite joking about not calling Frances in an emergency, it’s clear their friendship is strong and will continue to entertain fans with their witty exchanges and humorous antics! So, who wouldn’t love a little friendly banter between tennis stars?

Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic, Indian Wells Open 2025 round of 16: Head-to-head, match schedule, and where to watch live

World number three Coco Gauff takes on Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Belinda Bencic at Indian Wells 2025. Find out where to follow the action live.

It is world number three Coco Gauff against Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the 2025 Indian Wells Open.

The pair meet in a rematch of the same stage meeting at this year’s Australian Open, both searching to reach the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 tennis tournament in California, USA.

Gauff took revenge on Maria Sakkari, who defeated her in the 2024 Indian Wells semi-final, as the American star made it through her third round tie in straight sets.

Wildcard Bencic has overcome two seeded youngsters on her way to the round of 16, the Swiss producing solid performances to prevail over Amanda Anisimova and Diana Shnaider.

Here are the key things you need to know ahead of the women’s singles clash at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Indian Wells Open 2025 – Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic head-to-head

Their meeting at the 2025 Australian Open round of 16 was the duo’s third encounter, which was won by Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. Indian Wells will be their second duel in a matter of two months.

It is Gauff who has the slight edge in their head-to-head record, recording two victories compared to Bencic’s one, back at the 2021 Adelaide Open when she was the number two seed.

The only time that both Gauff and Bencic have been seeded against each other was in Washington DC back in 2023. Home hope Gauff was the third seed, cruising past her sixth seed opponent 6-1, 6-2.

Indian Wells Open 2025 – Where to watch Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic live

Love Is in the Air for Coco Gauff as She Celebrates the Perfect Valentines Day With Mom Candi

Coco Gauff’s Qatar Open campaign ended in sheer disappointment, again! The WTA No. 3, who never made it past the quarterfinals in Doha, lost to Marta Kostyuk in straight sets by 2-6 and 5-7 in the R32. For three consecutive years, Qatar has proven to be a tough deal for Gauff, but she has been around long enough to know wins and losses are part and parcel of the sport. Gauff has moved on and guess who is her Valentine this year? No, it’s not Ons Jabeur, despite the Tunisian’s proposal.

Coco Gauff decided to spend quality time with her mother Candi this Valentine’s and why not? She was the one who shaped her character and helped her build that mental strength before the world knew her. The 2025 Qatar Open exit must have been gutting for Gauff, after an underwhelming campaign at the Australian Open. But her mom Candi stood by her like a rock. The mother-daughter duo enjoyed quality time in Dubai and celebrated the day of love together.

The World No. 3 shared a video of savoring delicious food with her mother, who is a former heptathlon athlete. Sharing the reel, Gauff wrote, “V-day dinner with my mom @candigauff.” Her words reflected her equation with her mother, one that her followers witnessed many times, especially on last year’s Valentine’s Day.

Last year, on Valentine’s, Gauff cruised a quadricycle on Qatar’s Sealine Desert with her mom. After exiting the 2024 Qatar Open in the second round, she spent her time sightseeing with her mother in Doha.  The duo shared snippets of their outings on their respective Instagram handles, and Gauff captioned it as “Motorsport.” Although brief, her words showed her thrill for such adventures. Her mother Candi, however, expressed her gratitude to be able to see another sunset. “Live to see another day. Happy Valentine’s day from Doha, Qatar,” she wrote in her caption.

For Coco Gauff, her mother is her constant travel partner. Be it cheering for her daughter at the 2025 United Cup or visiting the Great Wall of China together during their trip to Beijing, Candi has been Coco’s partner in crime. Reflecting on this special bond with her mother previously, Coco Gauff said, “Yeah, I mean, both my parents are constant support all the time. My mom, it’s just a motherly thing. There’s nothing like a mother-daughter relationship. Especially in swings like Asia where it maybe is more isolated than usual, we just play Uno lot.”

She also highlighted how her mother took care of everything on tour and became her constant support. “It’s great to have my mom. She’s my biggest fan for sure. Having one or both of my parents I think always makes the tournament easier. You don’t have to take care of some things. She’s always reminding, me, Do you have your headphones, change of shoes, and clothes? Just things that moms, dads, they all do,” Gauff added.

Although Gauff decided to spend the entire day with her mom, in a cute gesture, she had a special offer this Valentine’s. What was that?

READ MORE : Ex-coach: Coco Gauff must improve two things to reach world No 1…..

Coco Gauff agreed to be her colleague’s “Galentine”

Coco Gauff was proposed by the Ministry of Happiness, Ons Jabeur on Valentine’s Eve. In a video shared by the WTA’s Instagram handle, the Tunisian could be seen asking the World No. 3, “Will you be my Valentine?” and Gauff said, “Yes!”  The moment caught the fans off-guard and highlighted their beautiful friendship.

After Gauff’s response, the show’s producer remarked that Gauff chose Galentine’s rather than Valentine’s, and Gauff agreed. “I did choose Galantine’s Day. I don’t have anything for you, so the hug is for you. I, like, saw somebody coming from the bushes. I was like, who the heck is jumping over?,” the American said, as she hugged Jabeur. Galentine’s Day is actually a global holiday celebrating women’s friendship.

However, the scene took a quirky yet funny turn, when Gauff asked Jabeur, “Thank you (For the rose). How many people have you done this for, though? How many Valentines do you have?” Gauff’s hilarious dig at Jabeur made her flee from the scene. “See you!” the Tunisian said, as she chuckled and disappeared. Jabeur’s gesture prompted Gauff to add a sarcastic conclusion. “Oh, okay. Maybe it’s not as special anymore,” she said.

Coco Gauff’s Valentine’s Day celebration with her mother warmed the fraternity’s hearts. However, her recent setbacks on the court have got the fans worried as well. Are you backing Coco to regain her form soon?

Ex-coach: Coco Gauff must improve two things to reach world No 1′, says Serena Williams’ ex-coach

Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci has backed Coco Gauff to establish herself as the world No 1 if she improves two crucial areas of her game.

Coco Gauff currently occupies third spot in the WTA Rankings behind No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and second-ranked Iga Swiatek.

The American star reached her career-high ranking of world No 2 in June last year.

The 20-year-old started her 2025 campaign in blistering form as she inspired the United States to win the United Cup by winning all five of her singles matches and her two doubles matches — all without losing a set.

Gauff then dropped just one set en route to reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before suffering a 5-7, 4-6 loss to world No 10 Paula Badosa.

In her defeat in Melbourne, the 2023 US Open champion struggled with her forehand and second serve, which have both been weaknesses at times in her career.

In a post on X, Macci was bullish about Gauff’s prospects of becoming the best player in the world as he highlighted her potential.

“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” the 70-year-old wrote. “If second serve becomes an asset and forehand become her best shot.

“Her first serve someday can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Make up speed is as good as the sport has ever seen.”

At the start of the 2025 season, Macci predicted that Gauff will not have to wait long to reach the peak of the rankings.

READ MORE : ‘Courtside baddies’ – Coco Gauff watches on as Angel Reese makes Unrivaled….

“Confidence breeds confidence,” he posted on X.

“She always had that in her back pocket but now shifted to her front pocket and Coco will launch like a rocket. Number one around the corner. @CocoGauff.”

Last year, Macci asserted that Gauff’s second serve could be fixed swiftly.

“Coco and her second serve can be fixed in less than one hour,” the American said.

“Once that is biomechanically rewired and that is in the EYE of the BEHOLDER the mental game overall becomes BOLDER.”

Coco Gauff will play for the first time since the Australian Open at the Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 tournament which will be staged from February 9 to 15 in Doha.

The American will aim to win her 10th WTA singles titles and first since her triumph at the WTA Finals in November.

United Cup in Sydney: How Coco Gauff Is Cementing Her Status as a Top Tennis Player Following Her Latest Title with the U.S

Coco Gauff cemented her place as one of tennis’ most exciting young stars as she led the United States to victory in the 2025 United Cup in Sydney, playing a key role in clinching the title. The 20-year-old world number three delivered a clinical performance over Iga Świątek in the opening women’s singles match, setting the tone for a thrilling final.

Gauff’s 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Świątek was not just a crucial win for the U.S. but also a testament to her remarkable rise in the sport. This victory marked her second consecutive win over the Polish star, having also defeated her in the WTA Finals in Riyadh just two months ago. Świątek, struggling with a recurring thigh injury, called for a medical timeout at 5-4 down in the second set. However, the injury plagued her throughout the match, and she ultimately left the court in tears, visibly distressed by the loss.

After the match, Gauff reflected on her growing belief in her ability to compete at the highest level. “I think I have the belief that I am one of the best players in the world. When I play good tennis, it’s hard for me to be beaten,” she said, a comment that spoke volumes about her confidence and her ability to rise to the occasion.

Not only did Gauff remain undefeated in singles and doubles throughout the event, but her composure under pressure was evident as she helped her team secure the first point of the final. “Today I think I played great tennis, and I’m happy to get a point for my team on the board,” Gauff added. “It was tough today. I’m not gonna lie.”

Her performance was a far cry from the vulnerability we sometimes see in younger players. Gauff has now firmly established herself as one of the top players in the game, and her ability to handle such pressure, especially in a team event like the United Cup, demonstrates her maturity.

After Gauff’s victory, it was up to Taylor Fritz to seal the deal for the U.S. in the men’s singles, and while the task seemed monumental, Fritz rose to the occasion. His 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz wrapped up the title for the U.S. with a tense third-set tie-break. Fritz dug deep when it mattered most, especially at 3-3 in the tie-break, hitting clutch shots to help the Americans secure a 2-0 win in the final.

The win marked a back-to-back United Cup title for the United States, adding another chapter to their dominance in this mixed team event. While Fritz’s triumph was certainly notable, it was Gauff’s clinical and dominant play that set the foundation for the U.S. victory.

Coco Gauff’s rapid rise to prominence is not just an exciting story for American tennis; it is an inspiring narrative for the entire tennis world. From a teenager thrust into the spotlight, Gauff has blossomed into a player whose talent is now matched by her mental fortitude. Her win over Świątek at the United Cup, a player she now has a winning record against, speaks volumes about Gauff’s readiness to challenge the very best in the sport.

It’s not just about the victories she’s racking up—it’s about the way she plays the game. Gauff’s demeanor on court, her calm in the face of pressure, and her belief in her abilities make her one of the most intriguing players to watch as she heads into the Australian Open. If this performance is anything to go by, Gauff is not just a future star; she is one of the best players in the world right now, and her future is brighter than ever.