Under Gilbert, the then-19-year-old Gauff enjoyed a breakout summer in 2023, winning titles in Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before capturing her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, rallying from a set down to shock ascending world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
The American initially continued that momentum in 2024 with back-to-back Grand Slam semifinals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, but began struggling with her serve in the spring and suffered early exits from Wimbledon, the Summer Olympic Games, and the US Open.
Gauff’s serving woes were on full display in Flushing Meadows, where her title defense flamed out in the fourth round to fellow American Emma Navarro. In the third set alone, she struck 11 double faults to exit, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
