Gauff’s WTA Finals Defense Ends in Group Stage as Serve Woes Prompt Off-Season Reset Calls

Analysts including Jimmy Connors urge an off-season rebuild of Coco Gauff’s serve rather than on-the-fly changes during matches.

Overview

Gauff was eliminated in Riyadh after a 7-6 (3), 6-2 loss to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, needing a straight-sets win to reach the semifinals.
Her serving volatility defined the week, with reports listing 17 or 18 double faults in the opener against Jessica Pegula, three against Jasmine Paolini, and six versus Sabalenka.
Jimmy Connors advised her to stop beating herself and to make technical adjustments during the break, not during tournaments.
Tim Henman said the intense focus on the serve is bleeding into other parts of her game, contrasting her under-pressure clarity with Sabalenka’s solutions and experience.
Gauff has been working with biomechanical expert Gavin MacMillan after splitting with coach Matt Daly, closing a season that still featured a Grand Slam title and a WTA 1000 win.