American tennis prodigy Coco Gauff has stumbled into an unwelcome milestone following a string of disappointing performances. The 20-year-old, once riding high after a dominant United Cup title run and an Australian Open quarterfinal appearance, has faced a sudden slump. Her woes began with a loss to Paula Badosa in Melbourne, followed by a shock defeat to Marta Kostyuk at the Qatar Open.
The downward spiral continued this week in Dubai, where compatriot McCartney Kessler toppled Gauff 6-4, 7-5 in straight sets. These consecutive early exits have now etched her name into a record no athlete desires.
Coco Gauff’s historic streak snapped: A humbling first in rising career
The record in question? Coco Gauff’s latest loss to Kessler—ranked outside the top 50—snapped a remarkable 36-match winning streak she’d maintained against lower-ranked opponents since 2023. For over a year, the World No. 3 had been a fortress against underdogs, bulldozing past challengers with her explosive athleticism and tactical grit. But Kessler’s fearless play exposed cracks in Gauff’s armor: a shaky forehand, untimely unforced errors, and a serve that lacked its usual bite. The upset not only halted her momentum but marked the first time since her 2019 breakthrough that Gauff has dropped three consecutive matches.
Fans have watched in disbelief as the reigning US Open champion struggles to regain her footing. Once praised for her mental resilience, Gauff now appears caught in a cycle of self-doubt.
“She’s missing the confidence to close out points,” noted one analyst. “Opponents sense hesitation, and they’re pouncing.”
Her forehand, long considered a vulnerability, has become a liability under pressure, while her serve—once a weapon—has misfired at critical moments.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With Indian Wells and Miami’s WTA 1000 events looming, Coco Gauff’s form raises questions about her readiness to contend for the World No. 1 ranking. History shows that consistency at elite tournaments is non-negotiable for top contenders, and early exits in Doha and Dubai have cost her valuable ranking points.
Yet there’s a silver lining. Gauff’s team has hinted at a return to U.S. soil for March’s tournaments, where home-crowd support could reignite her spark. “Every athlete faces slumps,” said a former coach. “What matters is how she adapts.” For now, the tennis world waits to see if Coco Gauff can rewrite this chapter—or if this “unwanted record” is merely a bump on her path to greatness.