Chris Evert has noticed two big problems Coco Gauff now has ahead of the US Open

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Coco Gauff has plenty of work to do before the US Open and Chris Evert has identified what her issues might be.

The American number one is not going into the final Grand Slam of the year in the best form after losing in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open.

This was just one of four devastating defeats for Gauff since Wimbledon and this is not how she would want to begin her title defence at Flushing Meadows.

But the World number three will hope to rediscover her best tennis in New York especially when playing in front of her home fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

What are the problems Chris Evert has identified with Coco Gauff?

Coco Gauff was already a star before winning the 2023 US Open, but she became arguably tennis’ biggest star on tour after joining the club of Grand Slam champions.

While she no longer has the pressure of trying to win her first major, there is now plenty of expectation on Gauff to win more, and carrying this while being the face of the sport is very challenging, especially for one so young.

This is something Chris Evert thinks Gauff is struggling with, in addition to players targeting her forehand which she commits multiple errors with at times.

“I just think it’s a lot. She’s in demand physically. She’s in demand with appearances. Everyone wants a piece of her,” Evert said.

“Plus, the fact that the players now are exposing that forehand. It’s not backhand, backhand, forehand. They’re hitting every ball to the forehand. She had like 50 unforced errors in her last loss to Putintseva.”

Does Chris Evert think Coco Gauff can win the US Open?

Among some of her biggest rivals, Gauff is entering the US Open in the worst form. World number one Iga Swiatek reached the Cincinnati Open semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka returned to form by beating the Pole on the way to winning the tournament.

Jessica Pegula retained her Canadian Open title and reached the final in Cincinnati, while Elena Rybakina has just retuned to action having not played since Wimbledon.

Despite being in a less than ideal position before arguably her biggest event of the season, Evert believes Gauff still has what it takes to successfully defend the US Open title.

“I just think it’s been a long year. It’s been a long year. Do I think she can turn it around? 100% I think she can,” the 18-time Grand Slam champion added.

“It’s going to be who is the freshest, who is the freshest for seven matches, and who can hold on and get that energy that they need. She can still win it.”