TORONTO — Coco Gauff, the rising American tennis star, has opened up about her decision to skip a recent tournament as she prepares for her return to the court at the Canadian Open. The 19-year-old, who is the top seed in Montreal, addressed her absence following a shocking early exit at Wimbledon last month.
Gauff, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, suffered a disappointing first-round loss at Wimbledon to fellow American Sofia Kenin, marking her earliest Grand Slam exit since 2019. The defeat prompted questions about her form and mental fatigue, leading to her withdrawal from the subsequent tournament in Washington, D.C.
Why Gauff Took a Break
In a press conference ahead of the Canadian Open, Gauff explained her decision to step away briefly from competition. "After Wimbledon, I needed time to reset mentally and physically," she said. "The season is long, and sometimes you have to listen to your body and mind. I wanted to come back stronger, not just push through for the sake of it."
Gauff emphasized that the break allowed her to refocus on her game and address areas needing improvement. She spent the time training in Florida, working on her serve and forehand—two aspects of her game that have faced scrutiny.
The Road to Recovery
The young phenom acknowledged the pressure of being a top-ranked player but stressed the importance of managing expectations. "Every loss hurts, but it’s about how you bounce back," she said. "I’ve learned a lot this year, and I’m using this as motivation."
Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, also weighed in, stating that the break was a strategic move. "Coco is still young, and managing her schedule is crucial. She’s got a long career ahead, and we want her to peak at the right moments."
Key Takeaways from Gauff’s Break
- Mental Reset: Gauff prioritized mental health after a tough loss.
- Technical Adjustments: Focused on refining her serve and forehand.
- Long-Term Planning: Avoiding burnout by carefully selecting tournaments.
Looking Ahead to the Canadian Open
As the top seed in Montreal, Gauff faces high expectations. She is set to open against a qualifier, but the draw could pit her against tough opponents like Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula in later rounds.
Gauff remains optimistic about her chances. "I feel refreshed and ready to compete. This is a big tournament, and I’m here to win." Her performance will be closely watched as a barometer of her post-Wimbledon recovery.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Tennis analysts have praised Gauff’s maturity in handling the setback. ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe noted, "It’s smart for a young player like Coco to take a step back when needed. The great ones know when to pause and reassess."
Fans have also rallied behind her, flooding social media with messages of support. Many see her as a future Grand Slam champion, with her resilience being a key factor in her long-term success.
Conclusion: A Strong Return Ahead?
As Coco Gauff steps back onto the court in Montreal, all eyes will be on whether her brief hiatus pays off. Her candidness about the challenges of professional tennis has resonated with many, and her focus on continuous improvement bodes well for her future.
With the US Open looming next month, Gauff’s performance in Canada could set the tone for the rest of her season. "I’m taking it one match at a time," she said. "But I’m here to prove something to myself."