Coco Gauff has started off her Cincinnati Open campaign with a routine victory, cruising into the Round of 32 with minimal fuss.
However, it was once again a shaky serving performance from the top-ranked American, who committed eight double faults throughout the match.
It’s worrying to see her continue to suffer with this overwhelming issue, particularly against lesser opponents on paper.
If she felt the need to overcommit against a big returner like Aryna Sabalenka, she could be forgiven. Wang Xinyu, whilst she did beat Gauff just a couple of months ago, is not quite as fearsome.
Fortunately, she came out on top, aided by a moment in the second set that transformed things for her.
Coco Gauff shares what changed for her in the second set
Speaking on-court after that first-round win, she was unsurprisingly delighted to be back in Cincinnati, where she claimed the title just two years ago.
The 21-year-old would tell the crowd: “It feels great to be back in Cincinnati.
“Obviously, two years ago I won, and it set me up for a great two weeks in New York [winning the US Open], so it means a lot to me, this tournament.
“I was very happy to see the sites and the improvements, and we’re back here in Cincy.”
Then asked about how she overcame her early serving struggles, Gauff continued: “I think [I was] just trusting myself and trusting the work we put in in practice.
“In the second set, I was able to let go, and I think just try not to focus on the past, knowing that I can’t control it, and just trying to do better for the future.
“I’m happy I was able to change that mindset around.”
Her serving struggles have been well-documented throughout 2025, yet she inexplicably impressed during the doubles in Montreal. Gauff actually thanked the Canadian Open for granting her request in relation to this format.
Can Coco Gauff win the US Open with her current serving struggles?
It might seem strange to suggest that Gauff’s chances of winning the US Open remain unaffected by her serving struggles, but that is partially true.
After all, in Paris, she was suffering a similar confidence crisis in this department, yet focused when needed to claim one of the most impressive titles of her career to date.
| Year | Round reached | Defeated by |
| 2024 | Fourth Round | Emma Navarro |
| 2023 | Winner | N/A |
| 2022 | Quarter-final | Caroline Garcia |
| 2021 | Second Round | Sloane Stephens |
| 2020 | First Round | Anastasija Sevastova |
These issues will not help her cause, and do make her far more susceptible to a shock early exit.
However, should she be able to battle through the first few rounds and gather some momentum, the support she will receive from the crowd, added to her dogged, unflinching play style, will always give her a chance in any match she plays.
Gauff will not be the favourite in New York, but it’d be foolish to write her off regardless of these fundamental serving woes.
