American tennis sensation Coco Gauff is set to defend her US Open title against Varvara Gracheva on Monday, but things are not looking bright for the young star. Despite her recent struggles, Gauff remains a fan favorite and bettors still have faith in her abilities.
In 2023, Gauff had a remarkable season, claiming victories in Auckland, Washington, and Cincinnati, propelling her to number three in the WTA rankings. She was considered a strong contender for the US Open title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Last year, Gauff lived up to expectations by staging a comeback victory against Aryna Sabalenka in the final. However, her form has dipped significantly since then, raising concerns about her performance in the upcoming tournament.
As the third seed, Gauff will face Varvara Gracheva in the opening round. If she advances, she will meet the winner of the match between Tatjana Maria and Solana Sierra in the second round. Despite her recent setbacks, Gauff remains determined to make a statement at the US Open.
Unfortunately, Gauff has faced challenges in recent months, including a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon and early elimination at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Additionally, she has been dealing with conflicts with her coach, Brad Gilbert, adding to the pressure she faces as she prepares to defend her title.