Coco Gauff’s Wimbledon dream is shattered once again as she endured a shock defeat against compatriot Emma Navarro on Center Court.
The 2023 US Open champion was defeated 6-4, 6-3 by Navarro and as a result she is yet to reach the quarters at Championships – something in missing her prodigy resume.
Gauff had previously entered the Wimbledon R4 twice in her career including on her debut in 2019 as a 15-year-old where she defeated former champion Venus Williams.
The World #2 looked like a genuine contender for the title this year with the draw favorably opening for her as her biggest rival Iga Swiatek also bowed on Saturday. But now it is Navarro, the 23-year-old from New York who ended Naomi Osaka’s campaign in R2 to make most of the opportunity. She will face Italian #7n seed Jasmine Paolini on Tuesday semifinal against the winner of Kiwi Lulu Sun vs Croat Donna Vekic.
“It was a tough match. She played well,” said Gauff.
“Yeah, I think she played great tennis. There were moments in the first set that I had chances to capitalise on the break.
“I thought she did well staying on the baseline, which I know how she plays just from playing her before, but she really did well timing my hardballs to her, which isn’t easy to do on grass.
“Also she hit a lot of, like, I think extra balls back like slices, mixing it up. Overall I think she played well. I think she returned well today, especially on my second serve.”
The 20-year-old also questioned her team’s contribution as she felt those available in her box including Brad Gilbert and Jean-Christophe Faurel could have offered her more in terms of coaching and direction.
“We had a game plan going in,” she stated.
“I felt that it wasn’t working. I don’t always ask for advice on the box. Today was one of those rare moments where I felt I didn’t have solutions.
“I don’t want to say I didn’t have any because I think I’m a capable player of coming up with some.
“I think today mentally there was a lot going on. I felt like I wanted more direction from the box.
“It’s happened before. I wouldn’t say it’s happened before with the combination of JC and Brad, but it’s happened before in the past where I felt like I needed more direction. They usually give me something.
“I felt today I don’t think we were all in sync. It’s no one’s blame except myself. I mean, I’m the player out there. I have to make decisions for myself on the court.”
The American was a strong favorite to reach the final four on her side of the draw, but she asserted that didn’t hinder her from performing well.
“I’ve seen and played so many Slams where anybody can win,” she added. “The seed is just a number, just an advantage so you don’t play another seed first round.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t lose, as we’ve seen a lot of seeds drop out. We’ve seen defending champions drop out. It means nothing.
“Especially on my side of the draw, even though the players may not be as known, but they’re so talented. I think that’s something that people, fans of the game, are a little bit disrespectful when it comes to other players on tour.
“Maybe their ranking isn’t there, but the level is there. They’re here for a reason. They deserve their spot. There’s no easy draw.
“There’s no cakewalk or anything. This is a competitive sport and we all want to win. I’ve been there where I was ranked whatever, an unknown.
“It would be disrespectful for another player to be like, This girl is ranked whatever, and she’s this age, I should be able to win. That’s not the case.
“I don’t take my seed into account when it comes to anything. I take every match with a very competitive mindset regardless of the ranking or the person I’m playing against.”