MONTREAL — Rising tennis star Coco Gauff voiced frustration over what she called an "unfair" scheduling decision following her shock straight-sets loss to qualifier Marie Bouzková in the second round of the Canadian Open. The 19-year-old American, seeded No. 4, fell 6-2, 6-4 in a match she described as "one of the worst performances" of her season.
In a tense post-match press conference, Gauff criticized tournament organizers for scheduling her match late in the evening, leaving her with minimal recovery time before her next match. "It’s unfair to play this late and then have to come back in less than 24 hours," she said. "I don’t think it’s right, especially when other players got day matches."
A Disjointed Performance
Gauff, who recently won the Citi Open in Washington, struggled from the outset against Bouzková. The Czech player, ranked No. 41, capitalized on Gauff’s uncharacteristic errors, breaking her serve three times in the first set. Gauff’s usually reliable forehand misfired, contributing to 28 unforced errors—nearly double her opponent’s count.
Despite a brief resurgence in the second set, where she led 3-1, Gauff failed to maintain momentum. Bouzková’s relentless defense and precise counterpunching proved too much to handle. "I just couldn’t find my rhythm," Gauff admitted. "She played solid, but I made too many mistakes."
Scheduling Controversy
Gauff’s primary grievance centered on the late-night scheduling. Her match began at 9:45 PM local time, finishing close to midnight. With a potential third-round match scheduled for the following afternoon, she argued that the turnaround was unreasonable. "I’m not making excuses, but recovery matters at this level," she said.
Other players, including top seed Iga Świątek, were given day sessions, prompting Gauff to question the fairness. Tournament officials defended the decision, citing broadcast commitments and player requests. However, Gauff remained unconvinced: "If you’re going to have night matches, at least give players equal rest."
Key Issues Raised by Gauff:
- Late-night finishes affecting recovery
- Disparity in scheduling between seeded players
- Lack of consultation with athletes
Reactions from the Tennis World
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick weighed in on social media, supporting Gauff’s stance: "Scheduling has always been an issue. Players shouldn’t have to choose between sleep and preparation." Meanwhile, Bouzková downplayed the controversy, saying, "I just focus on my game. The schedule is the same for everyone."
WTA rules do not mandate specific rest periods between matches, leaving tournaments discretion in scheduling. However, Gauff’s comments have reignited debates about player welfare. "We need clearer guidelines," she insisted. "This isn’t just about me—it’s about all players."
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Gauff remains optimistic about her US Open preparations. "I’ll learn from this and come back stronger," she said. Bouzková advances to face either Jessica Pegula or Karolína Plíšková, while Gauff will shift focus to Cincinnati.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between players and tournament organizers over scheduling. As the WTA season intensifies, calls for reform may grow louder. For now, Gauff’s complaint serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional tennis—where timing, both on and off the court, can be decisive.
In her final remarks, Gauff struck a conciliatory tone: "I love this tournament, and I’ll be back. But I hope next time, things are handled better."