Coco Gauff’s Australian Open campaign came to a disappointing conclusion as she was thoroughly beaten by Elina Svitolina on Tuesday.
The American played poorly throughout the 59-minute contest, eventually losing 6-1, 6-2.
Gauff’s performance was slammed by Tim Henman, who described the American’s display as ‘shocking’ and ‘tough to watch.’
Gauff’s struggles were encapsulated by her poor serving performance: she won only 41 per cent of her first-serve points and struck five double faults.
Where will Coco Gauff be ranked at the end of 2026?
The 21-year-old also hit 26 unforced errors and only three winners as she failed to impress on Rod Laver Arena.
After the contest, Gauff revealed the advice she sought from her coaching team midway through the contest.
Coco Gauff’s question for her coaching team
During her post-match press conference, Gauff revealed the question she had sought from her coaching team while she was struggling against Svitolina.
Gauff said: “I was just asking, like, ‘Am I playing wrong?’ Yeah, just asking for advice.
“I mean, yeah, obviously she was playing well and I wasn’t. So they were just telling me to go for bigger targets, hit through the middle.
“But, I don’t know, I just felt like hitting through the middle against her wasn’t working, because she was hitting winners. So, yeah, it was just an awkward day, I think.”
As Caroline Wozniacki emphasised after the contest, Coco Gauff has the opportunity to use this experience as a learning curve.
Gauff is still a young player at 21 years old. Gauff has achieved much in her career so far, and she must be given time to grow and develop into a player who performs more consistently on the WTA Tour.
As Caroline Wozniacki expressed after the match, Gauff can use her loss to Svitolina as a learning curve.
Who are the remaining American players in the draw?
Gauff was the second American player to lose on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, youngster Iva Jovic was defeated 6-3, 6-0 by Aryna Sabalenka.
On Wednesday, the remaining American players – Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova – will do battle on Rod Laver Arena.
Pegula has won all three of their previous contests, dating back to the 2020 Cincinnati Masters. Pegula last defeated Anisimova in the final of the 2024 Canadian Masters, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Who has impressed you most so far at the Australian Open?
Much has changed since their last contest. Anisimova is now the American number one and a two-time Grand Slam finalist.
Both players are in fine form – neither player has dropped a set on their way to the quarter-finals.
The winner of the contest will face Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals.
