US Open Day 7 - Gauff’s double trouble; Record late finish is nothing to celebrate
Sep 2, 2024
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Coco Gauff, the defending champion, faced elimination after a staggering 19 double faults in her match against Emma Navarro, who showcased her rising talent. Zheng Qinwen achieved a record late finish at 2:15 AM in a grueling battle against Donna Vekic, prompting reactions about the absurdity of such a late game and highlighting her impressive skills. The conversation dives into the mental strategies of young players, the evolving dynamics of the tournament, and previews exciting upcoming matches.
Coco Gauff's staggering 19 double faults in her US Open loss to Emma Navarro highlighted significant weaknesses in her serving technique.
Emma Navarro's impressive victory not only advanced her to consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals but also showcased her rising status in women's tennis rankings.
The record late finish of matches at the US Open has ignited debates about player fatigue and the need for better scheduling practices.
Deep dives
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Coco Gauff's Shocking Defeat
Coco Gauff experienced a stunning loss against Emma Navarro in the US Open, marked by an alarming total of 19 double faults, a significant factor that contributed to her defeat. Gauff's performance drew criticism for being subpar, particularly in the final set, as she struggled to find her rhythm and make successful serves. Despite her tenacity and a history of overcoming obstacles, Gauff's inability to elevate her performance during key moments left her vulnerable, ultimately allowing Navarro to secure victory. The match served as a reminder of the challenges Gauff faces in her game, especially under the pressure of defending her title.
The Need for Technical Improvement
Following her unexpected exit from the tournament, Gauff recognized the necessity for a technical overhaul in her serving technique, which she identified as a critical weakness. In her post-match discussion, she suggested the potential hiring of a biomechanist to help refine her serve, echoing the successful changes seen in other players, like Aryna Sabalenka. Given Gauff's recent struggles, she is contemplating taking a break from the tour to implement these adjustments, believing that on-the-job changes are insufficient to address her technical issues. This acknowledgment signals a potential shift in her training approach as she aims for significant improvements ahead of the next competitive season.
Emma Navarro's Rising Prominence
Emma Navarro's victory over Gauff marks a defining moment in her escalating tennis career, showcasing her impressive skills and composure on a prestigious stage. With her strong performance, Navarro has progressed to back-to-back Grand Slam quarterfinals and is surging in the WTA rankings, likely finishing the year in the top ten. Her ability to maintain composure while capitalizing on Gauff's errors points to exceptional mental fortitude, making her a player to watch moving forward. As she prepares for future matches, Navarro's recent successes could establish her as a major contender in the sport.
Debate Over Late-Night Matches
The late finish of the US Open matches has sparked discussions about the impact on players and viewers, especially after matches extending past 2 AM. Many, including former players like Andy Murray, criticize the scheduling as detrimental, arguing that it creates an unprofessional atmosphere and risks player fatigue. The late-night format poses challenges for athletes to recover adequately before subsequent games, leading to performance anxiety and health concerns. Continued occurrences of such scheduling may necessitate a reevaluation of tournament planning to prioritize player well-being and the integrity of the sport.
Defending champion Coco Gauff is out of the US Open after hitting 19 double faults in a three set loss to Emma Navarro.
In part one of the pod, we discuss the match and ponder what’s next for Gauff as she looks to rebuild her game.
In part two, we cover the latest ever finish to a women’s match at the US Open as Zheng Qinwen beat Donna Vekic at 2.15am. Catherine, David and Matt were all in the stadium and there’s reaction to Zheng’s phenomenal performance as well as the absurdity of the situation.
Elsewhere, there’s chat about Grigor Dimitrov’s up and down win over Andrey Rublev, a preview of Taylor Fritz vs Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, analysis of France’s Tiafoe’s performance in a good win over Alexei Popyrin, and praise for Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka as they charge through the draw.
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