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3 things that could stop Coco Gauff at US Open 2024

Coco Gauff arrives at the 2024 US Open as the defending champion at a Major for the first time in her career. She announced herself on the biggest stage last year by overturning a one-set deficit against Aryna Sabalenka to claim her maiden Grand Slam title in New York.

However, Gauff’s season leading up to this point has not been as strong as the previous year. She has a 36-13 match record and has won only one title, in Auckland at the start of the year.

Her preparation for the final Major of the season has also been severely underwhelming, with just one win in three matches while also failing to defend her championship points in Cincinnati.

Despite these recent setbacks, Gauff remains a strong contender for the US Open, especially as the defending champion. As she embarks on her quest for a second major title, here are a few potential roadblocks she might face.

#1 Pressure of being the defending champion

Coco Gauff in action at the 2023 US Open (Picture: Getty)
Coco Gauff in action at the 2023 US Open (Picture: Getty)

Coco Gauff heads into the 2024 US Open as the defending champion, a position she has never been in before.

Gauff captured the headlines last year on her way to the title. She defeated Laura Siegemund, Mirra Andreeva, Elise Mertens, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Ostapenko, and Karolina Muchova en route to the finals where she scripted a terrific comeback victory against Aryna Sabalenka to become just the seventh American teen to win a Grand Slam.

Her track record defending titles on the contrary has been less than stellar. She has won seven titles on the WTA Tour so far but has failed to successfully defend any of them. Her attempt to defend her title in Cincinnati last week was cut short with a disappointing second-round exit to Yulia Putinseva.

#2 Poor form off late

Coco Gauff photographed at the Cincinnati Open (Picture: Getty)
Coco Gauff photographed at the Cincinnati Open (Picture: Getty)

Coco Gauff's recent form has been concerning. Her Olympic campaign ended without a medal, despite high expectations. She was knocked out in the third round of the singles by eventual finalist Donna Vekic and in the second round of the doubles alongside Jessica Pegula against Czech Republic's Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova.

Her American hardcourt swing has been similarly disappointing. She entered the Canadian Open as the top seed but was unexpectedly defeated in the third round by Russian youngster Diana Shnaider. At the Cincinnati Open, her title defense ended before it even began, as she was eliminated in the second round by an inspired Putintseva in three sets 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Her recent poor form could be attributed to the pressure, a tight schedule, or even fatigue. Many believe she might struggle under the pressure of defending her title, as she has a few times this year.

Gauff enters the US Open determined to improve her subpar 36-13 match record for the year. To have any chance of winning the title, she will need to make significant improvements, particularly with her forehand. Her unforced errors have also been a cause for concern.

#3 Navigating past Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka

Coco Gauff could very well face Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka if all of them successfully advance to the semifinals.

Swiatek holds a dominant 11-1 head-to-head record against Gauff on the WTA Tour. Gauff lost both of their encounters this year, in Paris and Rome, on clay. Her only victory came in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open last year, on her way to winning the title. Gauff has almost always struggled against Swiatek's style of play in the past, and it could persist unless she makes significant adjustments quickly.

Gauff leads her head-to-head record 4-3 against Sabalenka. Sabalenka, however, won their most recent encounter in the semifinals of the Australian Open at the start of the year. Sabalenka's terrific form of late sees her enter this year's event as a strong favorite and could pose a significant challenge to Gauff given the slightly faster courts this time around. If they are to meet again, will Gauff extend her lead to 5-3, or will Sabalenka even the record at 4-4? Only time will tell.

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