Coco Gauff, the world’s number three ranked tennis player, suffered a surprising defeat to Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the 2025 Indian Wells Open. Despite a promising start to the match, Gauff’s recurring struggles with her serve and forehand errors proved to be her undoing, highlighting a persistent flaw in her game that she has been actively trying to address. The loss underscores the challenges Gauff faces in translating her training improvements into consistent match performance.
Gauff’s Indian Wells Upset: A Breakdown of the Bencic Match
In a rematch of their Australian Open encounter earlier this year, Gauff initially appeared to be in control against Bencic, securing the first set 6-3. However, the Swiss player capitalized on Gauff’s serving inconsistencies, particularly a series of double faults, to break back and level the set. The momentum shifted further in the second and third sets, with Bencic taking advantage of Gauff’s errors to ultimately win the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Gauff’s inability to maintain control of her service game, especially when leading, proved costly.
Double Faults and Unforced Errors: A Concerning Trend
Gauff’s struggles with her serve were particularly evident in her opening match at Indian Wells, where she recorded a staggering 21 double faults and 74 unforced errors. While she showed improvement in the Bencic match with only eight double faults, the underlying issue remains a significant area for improvement. Gauff acknowledged her serving inconsistencies, attributing them to ongoing efforts to refine her technique and adopt a more aggressive approach. She has been working with coaches Matt Daley, Brad Gilbert, and Jean-Christophe Faurel.
Gauff’s Perspective: “Not as Bad as It Seems”
Despite the disappointing loss, Gauff maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing her commitment to continuous improvement. She acknowledged the challenges of implementing technical changes during matches and expressed confidence in her overall progress. “Overall I feel like, I mean, it’s not as bad as it seems,” Gauff said after her loss to Bencic. “I lost 6-4 in the third in the fourth round against a tough opponent who’s coming off a 500 win. Obviously I wanted to do better, want to have better results, but it’s not something I can crush myself on. I’m trying to do better, and that’s all I can do. I’m trying to work on things in practice, and unfortunately right now it’s not translating how I’d like to.”
The Forehand Factor: A Persistent Weakness
Adding to her serving woes, Gauff’s forehand return also proved to be a liability in the match against Bencic. Numerous forehand returns sailed long, particularly during crucial moments in Bencic’s service games. This vulnerability allowed Bencic to dictate play and capitalize on Gauff’s unforced errors.
Tactical Adjustments and Mental Fortitude
Gauff recognized the need to make tactical adjustments during matches, particularly against opponents like Bencic who hit the ball with a low, flat trajectory. She admitted to letting Bencic dictate play from the backhand corner, an area where Gauff felt she should have been more in control. Maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding self-criticism are crucial for Gauff as she navigates the challenges of professional tennis. She aims to strike a balance between aggressive play and minimizing errors, a key factor in her quest for consistent success.
Coaching Changes and the Quest for Improvement
Coco Gauff has been actively working to address her flaws, particularly her serve, with the assistance of her coaching team. She added Matt Daley to her team last fall. Adjustments to her grip and serving motion have been ongoing, reflecting her commitment to refining her technique.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Coco Gauff’s defeat at the Indian Wells Open serves as a valuable learning experience for the young star. By acknowledging her weaknesses, working diligently on her game, and maintaining a positive mindset, Gauff can overcome her challenges and achieve her full potential. The tennis world will be watching closely as she continues her journey, striving to transform her flaws into strengths and solidify her position among the game’s elite.
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