Coco Gauff's forehand remains one of the big 'what ifs' in women's tennis after Miami Open loss

There was a point in her defeat to Anastasia Potapova in the third round of the Miami Open where Coco Gauff showcased the superb defensive skills that have helped her break into the top 10 in the world rankings and reach a Grand Slam final. From the deep return of serve, Gauff is immediately on the defensive. She has to scramble way out to the right on the next shot, then left, then right again, stretching and sliding for balls that few others on the WTA Tour would return.

When she gets a chance to attack with her backhand, she pushes Potapova back, and wins the point a couple of shots later. Ad It was everything that Gauff excels at – and why she is such an exciting and prodigious talent. Yet there were two talking points after the three-set defeat.

WTA MiamiGauff crashes out with shock defeat to Potapova, Pegula and Rybakina advanceYESTERDAY AT 20:45 One was brought up by Gauff herself: that as excellent as her defence is, it should not be her default approach. «I think that's kind of been where I've been messing up in all my matches this year. All the ones I've lost I think I lost because of that.

I think [my defence] should be more used as a tool in a toolbox than as a weapon. »I think I have to change my mentality in the game about not relying on that too much because I think sometimes I play a little bit too passive because I know I can get to balls. All the players that are doing well now on tour are big hitters.