Coco Gauff heads into the US Open with concerns over form after a Cincinnati Open quarterfinal defeat to Jasmine Paolini, marking a second straight loss to the Italian. The match was far from tidy for either player, with Gauff recording 62 unforced errors and 16 double faults, a troubling stretch as she looks to rebound on the North American hard courts. The setback could also affect her position in the rankings, potentially allowing Iga Swiatek to overtake her.
Former top‑10 player Chanda Rubin weighed in on Gauff’s buildup to the Open, noting a shift in mood on the court. Rubin said she saw Gauff’s demeanour tighten toward her team during the Paolini match and questioned whether Gauff feels fully confident enough to navigate tough matches in New York. She highlighted the importance of how Gauff handles frustration and the mental side of the game heading into a Grand Slam week in her home country, where the energy of the crowd can make a difference.
On the broader picture, the lead‑up has also put a spotlight on Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending champion, with commentators suggesting she faces heavy pressure as she seeks to add more major titles this year. Former players such as CoCo Vandeweghe pointed out Sabalenka’s recent struggles to dictate in important moments and questioned whether a few high‑level losses are weighing on her mindset. Lindsay Davenport echoed the view that Sabalenka is under considerable scrutiny, given the expectation she carry as the top seed, while also noting Gauff’s own resilience and Slam pedigree.
The analysis underscores a pivotal moment for both players: Gauff is looking to translate confidence and elite athleticism into wins on the big stage, while Sabalenka is trying to regain the rhythm that has often carried her to major success. Both will head straight into singles at the US Open, which begins on Sunday, August 24, with Sabalenka confirming she will skip the mixed doubles in New York.
What to watch next
– Can Gauff reset her serve and regain the aggressive, confident baseline game that has defined her best Slam runs?
– Will Sabalenka facing heightened pressure translate into improved decisiveness or further miscues?
– The New York crowd and the stage of a Grand Slam could provide a timely boost for both players as they navigate the first week of the Open.
Summary
Gauff’s Cincinnati setback has raised questions about form and confidence ahead of the US Open, while Sabalenka faces its own pressure test at the year’s last major. With both players favored for deep runs despite recent rough patches, the Open promises to reveal how they adapt under home-field intensity and high expectations.
Potential positive angle
If Gauff channels her energy and short memories from recent defeats, she could leverage the home crowd and her elite athleticism to rebound quickly, keeping live title chances despite the current wobble. Sabalenka, too, has the talent to manage the pressure and deliver strong results when it counts most on the big stage.