Coco Gauff upset by Katerina Siniakova in Doha

Coco Gauff has not played a match since her Australian Open semifinal loss to Aryna Sabalenka. Perhaps it was rustiness that caused her to start slow and ultimately lose to Katerina Siniakova in straight sets on Tuesday in Doha.

Gauff struggled from the first ball to find her form and shots. In the meantime, Siniakova played unbelievable tennis in the first set to win 6-2. Both players have been ranked World No. 1 in doubles, and those skills were evident with some entertaining drop shots and volleys.

In the second set, everyone expected the turnaround from Gauff as she jumped out to a 4-0 lead. In a matter of 15 minutes, Siniakova managed to even it up at 4-4 by running everything down and committing fewer errors than Gauff. Siniakova broke Gauff in the ninth game and served her way to the victory. Final score was Siniakova 6-2, 6-4.

An Off Gauff

Taking nothing away from Siniakova who played well, but Gauff had a shaky serve and errors that we have not seen from her for nine months. The footwork leading into the forehand led to errors, and she even had some rare backhand errors. She misplayed an overhead which is also unusual. Sometimes it is just an off day at the office, and that is what Gauff had. Gauff goes to 10-2 in 2024.

Siniakova advances to play Danielle Collins who is continuing her impressive 2024. Though Collins admits it is her final year on tour, she is playing with a steely will that shows she has unfinished business to attend to before she calls it a career.

American Emma Navarro is still in contention as she defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets, advancing to the Round of 16. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open continues through February 17, 2024.

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