Gilbert and Stubbs weigh in on Gauff's serving struggles at US Open: “Under pressure, bad technique breaks down.”
WTA
Coco
Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, listened to the criticisms from Rennae Stubbs
following his player’s elimination from the US Open. The 2023 champion was
ousted in the fourth round after an inconsistent match against the 13th seed
Emma Navarro, in a duel marked by Gauff’s 19 double faults.
Gauff’s Coach addresses serve criticisms after US Open Exit
During the
television broadcasts, the experienced coach participates as a commentator
during the Grand Slams and was part of the expert analysis following the world
No. 3’s defeat. Gilbert was asked about the loss of confidence that Gauff
exhibited throughout the match: “It’s funny, we go to the practice courts and
it’s fine,” he started.
“Hasn’t
been a problem but all of a sudden - you know, listen, for me the most
important thing that gotta get right is being able, when you are in a
situation, is being able to hit one speed. It’s like, okay, just hit 85 [mph]
in the middle of the box, a working serve and then move on.
“Because
with the women, it’s a little different than men’s second serves, and a lot of
women are more aggressive on the second serve returns but I still feel like
it’s just that one constant speed, being able to hit in the middle of the box
like 85, 90. Serena had a massive first serve but she didn’t have a massive
second. But she had a great, working serve that she could rely on.”
Regarding
this, Rennae Stubbs, former coach of Serena Williams, spoke about how
detrimental Gauff’s serve was in the match: “That’s the thing. I mean, the
thing with Emma [Navarro] is that she’s always looking to attack, and most
women are looking to attack because they often see a slow second serve in
women’s tennis not like in the men’s.”
“But the
difference with Coco’s, as you said, sometimes she was hitting in the mid-90s
the second serve. Then she was going a little bit slower in the middle. There’s
no second serve that’s the same, and that’s a problem. So under pressure, bad
technique breaks down.”
Coco Gauff at 2024 US Open.
The former
world No. 1 in doubles acknowledged that it was difficult to criticize Gauff
with Brad Gilbert sitting next to her, but continued with her analysis: “And
her technique - and it’s hard for me to say it because Brad’s sitting here as
her coach and all. But the technique, the elbow is too low, the grip I feel
like is a little weird as well,” Stubbs continued.
“So it’s
hard to get nice massaging first serve or, we call it a three-quarter pace
first serve, and then same or similar as a second serve. But you’ve got to be
able to hit your spots on a second serve under pressure. And as you say, she
served great in practice."
“And I hate
to say this, but more people serve great in practice because they don’t have
15,000 people eyeing them and millions of people watching on TV. And Billie
Jean King always says bad technique breaks down under pressure and
unfortunately for Coco, this year, that’s what happened. Because she’s not
confident as well,” she added.
“I
definitely want to get other opinions because, you know -- and also I think
it's sometimes more of an emotional, mental thing because if I go out on the
practice court right now, I would make, like, 30 serves in a row. I've done it
before,” she said.
“I think
it's also just kind of a mental hurdle that I have to get over when it comes
with that. But, yeah, I definitely want to look at other things because I don't
want to lose matches like this anymore.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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