Coco Gauff faced another disappointing outing at the Qatar Open, continuing her struggles in Doha with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match. Despite previously winning half of her eight matches in the city, Gauff’s performance showcased persistent issues, particularly with her forehand, which could become a defining factor in her 2026 season.
Cocciaretto, currently ranked world No. 57, maintained composure during the match, expertly managing the pressure and diligently avoiding mistakes, especially when Gauff appeared to have the upper hand in rallies. The American, ranked No. 5, exhibited a concerning number of forehand errors, some veering wildly off course while others lacked the necessary depth to pose a threat. The slow hard courts in Doha reduced her effective defensive strategy—typically a heavy forehand aimed at her opponent’s backhand—leaving her vulnerable to Cocciaretto’s poised offensive play.
Though trailing 5-2 in the second set and facing imminent defeat, Gauff found her rhythm, pushing Cocciaretto back and taking advantage of short balls. However, Cocciaretto countered effectively, saving a crucial break point with a well-placed backhand winner. Gauff, while capable of fantastic shots, could not consistently execute them, highlighting an urgent need to rehabilitate her forehand.
While this loss may not impact her ranking significantly or derail her season, it signals the growing challenge of revamping her forehand amidst improvements to her serve. Unlike a serve, which, despite its difficulties, remains a controlled aspect of the game, a forehand must adapt to various speeds and spins encountered in matches. Addressing this deficiency will require more time than a typical off-season allows, leaving Gauff in a dilemma: to skip tournaments and risk losing ranking points and prize money or to compete and potentially face tough matches before she can regain her form.
Gauff’s performance teetered on the edge of brilliance even in defeat, as evidenced by the fact that Cocciaretto converted only three of the 11 break points she created. Nevertheless, Gauff’s tally of 39 unforced errors versus just 13 winners proved to be her undoing. This match further emphasizes the heightened importance of reclaiming her forehand’s effectiveness as she prepares for upcoming competitions.
At just 21 years old and already a two-time Grand Slam champion, Gauff has ample time to navigate these challenges. Despite the complexities of her current situation, her talent and resilience suggest a promising future ahead in her tennis career. With determination and focused training, there is hope that she will overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger on the court.