Explore the latest developments concerning Coco Gauff’s forehand.
Coco Gauff’s forehand unravels again in Qatar Open defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Coco Gauff's tough start to 2026 continued in Doha. Artur Widak / Nur Photo via Getty Images
Coco Gauff has never enjoyed the Qatar Open. She had played eight matches in Doha, winning four, before entering the 2026 edition.
Tuesday’s 6-4, 6-2 loss to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match will still have stung more than most, not for the result, but for the recurrence of problems with Gauff’s forehand that look set to define her coming season if she can not take the time away from tournament play to fix them.
“I just feel like some of the things I’ve been working on in practice aren’t translating to the match court, which is super frustrating,” Gauff said in a mixed zone after the match.
Coco Gauff: “I haven’t showed up” in recent matches, talks mental block in Doha
The No. 4 seed suffered a second straight defeat since making the Australian Open quarterfinals but remains eager to employ her good form in practice to the match court.
DOHA, Qatar—Coco Gauff was largely in good spirits despite a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Tuesday, the No. 4 seed going 0-2 since reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals last month.
“I just feel like I haven’t showed up with my best level the last few matches,” Gauff said to open her post-match mixed zone. “I’m just looking to find that again.”
The reigning Roland Garros champion enjoyed a bright start to the 2026 season, defeating Iga Swiatek at the United Cup in January, but suffered a stunning defeat in Melbourne to Elina Svitolina and, after a Monday night defeat in doubles alongside Victoria Mboko, appeared equally out of sorts against Cocciaretto following a first-round bye.
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Inspired by Winter Olympics skiers, Cocciaretto upsets Gauff in Doha
Lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto scored her third career Top 10 win and advanced to the last 16 of a WTA 1000 event for the first time with a straight-sets upset of Coco Gauff at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open — and revealed afterwards that her friendship with Sofia Goggia, the women's downhill bronze medallist at the Winter Olympics this week, has been an inspiration to her.
Lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto scored her third Top 10 win — and first outside a Grand Slam — with a 6-4, 6-2 upset of No. 4 seed Coco Gauff in the Qatar TotalEnergies Open second round. The Italian advances to the last 16 of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Coco Gauff’s forehand.
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