In a challenging match at Wimbledon’s Centre Court, Coco Gauff struggled against fellow American Emma Navarro, leading to an early exit. Gauff frequently looked to her coaching team for guidance, engaging in repeated exchanges with Brad Gilbert, but couldn’t find a solution to her problems on the court. This marks another fourth-round exit for Gauff at Wimbledon, where she was defeated by Navarro 6-4, 6-3.
Gauff, the current U.S. Open champion and second seed at the All England Club, expressed frustration with her inability to implement her game plan. “We had a game plan going in, and I felt that it wasn’t working. I don’t always ask for advice from the box, but today was one of those rare moments where I felt I didn’t have solutions,” Gauff said. “Today, mentally, there was a lot going on. I felt like I wanted more direction.”
Navarro’s victory adds to the string of upsets in the women’s draw this year, following the exits of top-seeded Iga Swiatek and several other high-ranking players. Only two of the top ten seeds remain in contention, including 2022 champion Elena Rybakina and French Open runner-up Jasmine Paolini. Navarro, seeded 19th, is set to face Paolini next after reaching her first major quarterfinal.
Navarro, 23, demonstrated her potential by defeating four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in the second round. “I’m believing that this is possible as it’s happening. I’m starting to think, ‘Why not me? Why not?’” said Navarro, who has found motivation in Gauff’s visible frustration during the match.
Gauff, a 20-year-old from Florida, has shown promise with a U.S. Open title and appearances in finals and semifinals at other major events. However, her performance at Wimbledon has consistently ended in disappointment, with exits in various rounds over the past few years. During Sunday’s match, Gauff’s inconsistency, particularly with her forehand, which accounted for 32 of Navarro’s 61 points, was evident.
“I really wanted to attack her forehand,” Navarro admitted, which proved effective as Gauff accumulated 16 unforced and 16 forced errors with her forehands.
Reflecting on her defeat, Gauff said, “I have the ability to raise my level when players play well, and I feel I didn’t do that today.” She added, “No one’s to blame except myself. I mean, I’m the player out there.”
Gauff’s ongoing struggle to synchronize with her coaching team mid-match was apparent. “They usually give me something,” she said of past assists from her coaches, “but I don’t think we were all in sync.”
The match highlighted both Navarro’s rising talent and the challenges Gauff continues to face in achieving deeper runs at Wimbledon.