Coco Gauff made her proclamation of winning French Open 2025 clear when writing lines filled with similar language inspired by Gabby Thomas’ pre-Olympic rituals. However, her path hasn’t exactly been smooth; grass courts have proven challenging with three consecutive first round exits leading up to US Open 2018 while her lackluster hard court performance only compounded anxieties surrounding US Open 2019.
At the Cincinnati Open, Gauff’s service game flaws became immediately evident during her match against Jasmine Paolini where she made 16 double faults en route to losing in a quarterfinal loss – after an underwhelming showing in Canada; thus extinguishing any chance for her before US Open and raising further suspicion around her performance.
Chanda Rubin, a former top-10 player, expressed her concerns on the Tennis Channel, specifically pointing to Gauff’s recent performances. “Coco Gauff won Roland Garros and then faced a tough transition onto grass… Now, starting the hard court season, we’ve seen some ups, but also signs of frustration. This has raised some doubts about her mental state and readiness for New York,” Rubin remarked, reflecting both respect and concern for Gauff’s current form.
Despite these setbacks, Rubin remains optimistic about Gauff’s potential, especially given her proven athletic prowess and the supportive energy of the New York crowd. However, the frustrations on the court are palpable, and Gauff herself has highlighted the relentless nature of the tennis calendar and the unrealistic expectations it fosters.
Coco Gauff Reflects on Pressures After Cincinnati Departure
This summer has not been kind to Gauff, culminating in a series of challenging matches that have left her seeking a semifinal breakthrough. As the US Open approaches, where Gauff has previously tasted Grand Slam success, the pressure mounts. Her recent comments to the press reflect a mature perspective on the burdens of expectation and the cyclical nature of professional tennis.
“Winning a Slam changes everything… suddenly your year becomes defined by those victories, overshadowing other tournaments,” Gauff noted as she addressed tennis’ demanding structure and fan expectations.
As the US Open draws nearer, one question looms large: can Gauff overcome her recent trials and use their support to make an impactful comeback at tennis’ biggest stage? Only time will tell.