Australian Open 2026: Coco Gauff's Forehand Flaw Exposed in Quarterfinal Exit
World No. 3 Coco Gauff faced a crushing straight-sets defeat against Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The 1-6, 2-6 loss marks her third consecutive humbling exit at a Major tournament, raising serious questions about her ability to break through tennis's final barrier.
The Forehand Problem: A Persistent Technical Hurdle
While Gauff's serve has often been criticized, it was her forehand that betrayed her consistently during the match. The American, who will turn 22 in two months, struggled with an unstable forehand, a prominent technical flaw that has plagued her game. Her extreme Western grip, which imparts excessive topspin, makes last-minute adjustments difficult, leading to tentativeness and defensive play.
Unlike her backhand, which she can hit flat or with spin to attack and defend effectively, Gauff's forehand often leaves her caught with weight on her back foot, looping balls back into play instead of taking control. This was evident in her quarterfinal performance, where she hit only three winners and committed 26 unforced errors, with 12 coming on the forehand side.
Coaching Changes and Mixed Results
Gauff's recent attempts to overhaul her game, including a sudden coaching change and a focus on her serve, have yielded mixed results. Her partnership with Brad Gilbert, known for his "winning ugly" philosophy, highlighted the limitations of relying on mental fortitude and athleticism alone. Current coach Matt Daly has suggested a short grip change for her serve to improve consistency, but the forehand remains a more consistent problem.
As Gauff obliterated her racquet in the locker room post-match, the source of her frustration was clear: an inability to evolve her forehand under the public glare she has faced since age 15.
Svitolina's Dominance and Gauff's Future
Elina Svitolina, peaking at the right time, outplayed Gauff in every aspect, advancing to her fourth Major semifinal where she will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. For Gauff, despite two Major titles and a career-high ranking of World No. 2, technical issues like her forehand must be solved while she remains among tennis's elite.
Time may be on her side, but overcoming these hurdles after a potential tumble in rankings could bring additional mental challenges. The path forward requires not just winning, but winning elegantly by addressing core technical flaws.
