Justine Henin offered some harsh criticism on Coco Gauff’s game following the American’s US Open exit, slamming the 21-year-old’s forehand as “catastrophic” and stating that “the lack of evolution” in the world No. 3’s game is “worrying.”

Although Gauff was far from her best in her opening three US Open matches, she still managed to overcome Ajla Tomljanovic, Donna Vekic and Magdalena Frech. But against in-form Naomi Osaka, the home player stood no chance with her current level, losing 3-6 2-6. From start to finish, the 2023 US Open champion struggled to find any rhythm and consistency as she finished with five double faults and 33 unforced errors.

In four matches played in New York, Gauff evidently focused on staying committed to her revamped serving technique and reducing her double-fault number. But the American just recently started working with biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan and it will take more time before her serve gets completely fixed.

However, Henin – who won seven Grand Slams during her career – suggests there is something more concerning about the 21-year-old’s game than her serving woes.

Henin: Gauff’s forehand was catastrophic… The lack of evolution in her game worries me

“We felt from the start of the match that Coco Gauff had fallen back into her old ways, not especially in terms of her serve but in terms of her forehand, it was catastrophic. Obviously, this enormous pressure at the US Open is special for her, but I still think overall, over the whole season, and not so much on the results, what worries me is the lack of evolution in her game. At that age, you’re still progressing, you’re still developing,” Former world No. 1 Henin told Eurosport France.

After her US Open exit, Gauff vowed to get back to the drawing board and work on her game. The two-time Grand Slam champion directly told reporters that for the rest of the year, her main priority would be improving her game.