One of the most memorable tennis matches so far this season took place on Friday between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina in the semifinal of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Svitolina defeated Gauff in three sets: 6-4, 6-7 (13), 6-4.
Svitolina reaches her third final in Dubai and continues her red-hot run in 2026. Meanwhile, Gauff leaves the Middle East Swing in a better position than last year. However, she still has areas of her game to work on before the Sunshine Swing next month.
Coco Gauff’s Serve Struggles
Once again, Gauff’s serve was one of the biggest issues today. She tallied two aces and 12 double faults. She landed 62% of her first serves, winning points on 64% and 59% of her first and second serves.
Gauff’s frustrations showed during the second set, and television cameras picked up on what she said to her coach. Tied 3-3 and serving 15/15, Gauff hit a double-fault. She dropped her shoulders and walked over towards her coaching box.
Coco Gauff’s Comments
Gauff said,