Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, reacted to the American tennis star’s shocking defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match of the Qatar Open. Gauff suffered a 4-6, 2-6 defeat to the Italian, who had only qualified for the main draw as a lucky loser after being beaten in the second round of qualifying.
The defeat comes as a big blow for Gauff, who slipped to fifth in the WTA Rankings after her quarterfinals exit at the Australian Open. Although she will return to fourth place after the Qatar Open, despite her early elimination.
Coco Gauff’s Shock Defeat Draws Reaction From Former Coach
Few would have expected Cocciaretto to defeat Gauff in the second round of the Qatar Open on Tuesday. But the Italian took advantage of the American’s struggles with her forehand to stage a stunning upset.
Gauff’s former coach noted that Cocciaretto had not won a set in any of their previous three meetings. However, the 25-year-old was on top of her game on Tuesday and secured a spot in the last 16 of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.
Wow lucky loser Cocciaretto takes out Gauff for the 1st time in Doha in straight sets, she hadn’t won a set in there 3 previous matches, 3rd year in arow Coco has lost 1st rd there
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) February 10, 2026
“Wow lucky loser Cocciaretto takes out Gauff for the 1st time in Doha in straight sets, she hadn’t won a set in there 3 previous matches, 3rd year in a row Coco has lost first round there,” Gilbert wrote on X.
Gilbert then agreed with a fan who suggested that Gauff should skip the Qatar Open next year and focus on the Dubai Tennis Championships, as she will have no points to defend.
Gauff also lost in the second round of the Qatar Open last year, losing in straight sets to Marta Kostyuk. The American was also beaten in the second round in 2024, once again in straight sets, this time by Kateřina Siniaková.
What Next for Gauff After Early Qatar Open Exit
Gauff would have wanted to make a deep run in Doha, but will now hope to turn things around at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The 21-year-old also lost in her opening match at the 2025 edition of the WTA 1000 tournament, but did make the quarterfinals in 2024.
Her best performance in Dubai came in 2023 when she made the semifinals before losing to Iga Świątek in straight sets.
Following the Middle East Swing, Gauff will return to the United States and turn her attention to the Sunshine Swing. The 2025 French Open winner will have her sights set on delivering strong performances at the Miami Open and Indian Wells.
