Coco Gauff's US Open campaign came to a shuddering halt on Sunday night at the hands of Emma Navarro who sealed a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win and beat the defending champion again.
But Rick Macci who previously coached Serena Williams pointed a vital flaw that was evident in the Gauff game as she was defeated. That being her serve. It deserted her at key moments and Navarro in reality should've won even easier.
It was 19 double faults for Gauff as her serve once again was bludgeoned. A usual issue for Gauff in her game that can sometimes affect her more times than others, it was evident mostly in this tie.
Navarro sealed back-to-back Grand Slam wins over her compatriot. The 23-year-old has been ever improving and is now in the top 10 after adding to her Wimbledon win over Gauff who now plummets out of the top five. Now Paula Badosa awaits for a spot in the semi-finals. While for Gauff, it is firmly back to the drawing board.
"Asked about Coco and her serve. Biomechanically it is disconnected. 19 double faults and be in there shows her greatness. It needs minor reconstruction surgery based on scientific principles as it is an easy fix. People are telling her the Symptom not the Culprit. @Cocogauff"
But while he picked apart Gauff, he was full of praise for Navarro. He said he was impressed by the improvements that she has been making to her game as well as her strong mindset.
"What I love about Emma Navarro besides her improvising skills is her mindset. What we on the outside with the dips flips rips slices and dices does not show up on the biggest Stage unless SHE HAS THAT INTENSITY AND CALMNESS ON THE SAME PAGE," he also wrote.