Analysis: Coco Gauff’s Washington title shows she is ready to contend at the US Open

WASHINGTON — Coco Gauff grew a bit weary of hearing fans’ various theories about what was wrong with her forehand. “I’m like, ‘Bruh, I did try the short nails, and it did not make my forehand better.’” Turns out all the 19-year-old from Florida needed to get back to winning — including a trophy at the hard-court DC Open on Sunday that signals her readiness to contend at the U.S. Open, which begins in three weeks — was a bit of advice from people who know what they’re talking about. “But I think just having someone reiterate that to you.. After I lose maybe two or three points in a row, maybe take the full 25 seconds to reset, especially if I’m the one serving.” An example of that came in the last game of her 6-2, 6-3 victory over two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Maria Sakkari in Sunday’s final. “I see things moving in a really positive way after seeing her make some changes just in these few weeks.” Gauff’s backhand is still as dangerous as it gets on tour. “She can really read matches well,” Riba said, “even though she’s only 19.” Now if that forehand — “It’s not a secret; everybody is trying to play the forehand,” Gauff said — continues to progress from liability to asset, look out.