However, the ensuing months didn’t measure up to expectations. There were highlights to be sure. In June, Gauff reached a career-high No. 2 in the rankings. That same month, she picked up her first Grand Slam doubles crown at Roland Garros, teaming up with Katerina Siniakova. She was also a flagbearer at the Olympics for the U.S. team. But in terms of singles results, she went 15 straight events without even reaching a final.
The toughest stretch was the summer hard-court season. Over three tournaments she managed a 4-3 record, punctuated by a 19 double-fault, 4th round exit at the US Open to Emma Navarro. After getting dethroned she ended her 14-month partnership with coach, Brad Gilbert. Gauff took on a new coach—Matt Daly—and immediately got back in the winner’s circle. She took the title in Beijing in September before capturing her first WTA Finals victory in Riyadh in November.
Even if the season was perhaps not a top-to-bottom performance for Gauff, she ended it on the highest note and can take heart in maybe her most important stat: she’s still just 20 years old.—Jon Levey
