Coco Gauff had a disappointing 2024 US Open showing, but the American is still one of the best players in the world, and her coach isn’t concerned despite the poor showing.
Gauff has had an interesting year, but it’s in line with what we’ve seen from her historically. The American had some outstanding moments and some bad ones, but overall, 2024 hasn’t been as great as last year for her.
Last season turned around after Wimbledon, with trophies in Washington, Cincinnati, and New York. That didn’t happen this year, as she went empty-handed in both Cincinnati and at the US Open.
Her exit in Cincinnati came early, and while her US Open didn't end that early, it was still earlier than anybody anticipated. Most assumed she could at least make the semi-finals and be in contention for the final.
That didn’t happen, as she was beaten by Emma Navarro in the fourth round. The loss was a bad one, mostly because of how she played. It wasn’t just disappointing because she lost but because she showed a level that could be considered a step backward.
Her coach, Brad Gilbert, spoke about Gauff following her exit from the US Open, and while he acknowledged that it wasn’t a great performance, he pointed out that she still had a strong year overall in the past 12 months.
According to the experienced American coach, if Gauff were a stock, she would be still a good buy, considering her incredible talent and some of the past results.
"It's been a good 14 months. She's accomplished a lot and the great thing is, she has huge upside at 20. If she was a stock, you still put a buy rating on her. She's a great kid. She works hard, and good things will happen for her."
The vast majority of tennis players would dream of being as skilled as Gauff at age 20. She has plenty of time to grow and become even better, but that's part of the problem.
Many expected her to have done that already, and she hasn't quite managed it yet, which is where the concern comes from. Gilbert also took a moment to praise the player who beat her, Emma Navarro, who, in his mind, has the talent to win major titles.
"Unfortunately, it wasn't a great tournament for her, but the player that beat her, Navarro, is playing great tennis. She's in the semis. Who knows? Maybe she's got a legitimate shot to win it."
As for Gauff, the disappointment will have to be quickly forgotten as the season keeps rolling, and the players will be in Asia soon enough. She didn’t have the best time there last year, but this year presents a new chance for her.
The 20-year-old is expected to compete at all WTA 1000 tournaments and then end the season at the 2024 WTA Finals, where she will want to forget previous disappointments.
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