Coco Gauff admits 'I haven't showed up' after early exit at Qatar Open

The two-time Grand Slam champion was stunned 6-4, 6-2 by world No 57 Cocciaretto in her opening match at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha on Tuesday.

Gauff landed just 14 winners to 39 unforced errors, while her serve was broken by her 25-year-old Italian opponent on four occasions.

The world No 5, who received an opening round bye as a top eight seed in Qatar, was playing her first match since losing 6-1, 6-2 to Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open quarter-finals in just 59 minutes.

Following her loss to Cocciaretto, Gauff spoke candidly about her level in her recent defeats.

"I just feel like I haven't showed up with my best level the last few matches," said the American. "I'm just looking to find that again.

"I just feel like some of the things I've been working on in practice aren't translating to the match court, which is super frustrating.

"I've been having good practices, but just not playing well in the matches. I just need to find how it can translate.

"I tried to be more aggressive and was hitting more unforced errors. When I tried to be a little more passive and play with more shape, she was taking the ball early and crushing the ball.

"I think I need to figure out how to play against players like her, who hit super flat and take everything early.

"I think the last two matches showed I've been struggling with that. That's something I need to work on in practice."

Gauff will next compete at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, which will begin on 15 February.

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