Coco Gauff chose not to participate in the Washington Open following her early exit from Wimbledon, a decision that surprised many fans and analysts given the significance of the event. Despite having extra time to prepare for the hard-court season, she opted for an extended training period instead of competing in Washington.
In a candid interview at the Canadian Open press conference, the 21-year-old explained,
“It was nice to actually have some time in between. That’s why I didn’t play DC because I wanted to have a real training block, which I hadn’t had in a while, just because of how our schedule is and being back in Montreal is great and it’s definitely refreshing. I like that they change it every other year just because it feels different each time.”
This approach allowed Gauff to focus on improving her game ahead of an important stretch of the season and offered her a mental and physical break. Although she did not reveal her reason initially, this explanation highlights her strategic planning for the upcoming events.
Impact of Washington Open Results and Gauff’s Fresh Start in Canada
While Gauff sat out of Washington, Leylah Fernandez claimed the title, demonstrating remarkable form by defeating high-caliber players like Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina. Fernandez’s triumph has set the stage for an exciting Canadian Open, where she will compete on home soil with confidence.
Gauff’s decision to skip Washington has positioned her to face the Canadian Open rested and ready, with a “secret” advantage stemming from her uninterrupted training. She expressed her enthusiasm, saying,
I am happy to be back here, I like this tournament a lot, and I would love to do great here one of these years.
—Coco Gauff, Tennis Player
This sentiment shows her motivation to make a strong impression at the Masters 1000 event held in Montreal, fueling anticipation for her performance in front of her home crowd.
Analyzing Coco Gauff’s Prospects in the Canadian Open Draw
With the Canadian Open draw recently unveiled, Gauff has a clear understanding of the opponents she will encounter on her quest for the title. The absence of Aryna Sabalenka, a top contender who chose not to compete, further enhances Gauff’s potential as a favorite in the tournament.
After receiving a bye in the first round, Gauff is scheduled to face Danielle Collins in the second round, setting up an all-American clash. She is expected to then meet either Veronika Kudermetova or Olga Danilovic, followed by possible opponents such as Diane Schneider, Sofia Kenin, or Victoria Mboko, all competing for a place in the fourth round.
Within her quarter, Jasmine Paolini stands as the highest-ranked player, while other notable competitors like Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, and Emma Navarro could also emerge as challengers aiming for the semifinals. The final round could feature top-ranked players including Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, or Madison Keys, any of whom could provide stiff competition.
The Larger Significance of Gauff’s Strategy and the Road Ahead
Coco Gauff’s choice to skip the Washington Open reflects a thoughtful and deliberate plan to optimize her training and performance as the hard-court season advances. By prioritizing preparation over immediate competition, she aims to increase her chances of success at a prestigious Masters 1000 event on home soil.
This strategic pause could prove to be pivotal in breaking through for her first Canadian Open title, which would mark a major milestone in her career. The tournament’s competitive field promises an intense battle, but Gauff’s refreshed state and favorable draw set the stage for a compelling run in Montreal.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Coco Gauff a millionaire?
A. Coco Gauff became a millionaire by age 19. This American tennis player won her first Grand Slam on Saturday. She beat Aryna Sabalenka, the new world number one, with scores of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. This victory earned her the 2023 US Open women’s singles title.
Q. Does Coco Gauff have a degree?
A. Congratulations on finishing high school, @CocoGauff! Gauff earned her degree from the Florida Department of Education after doing her studies at Florida Virtual Flex. At 18 years old, she managed to continue her education while also beginning a successful tennis career, balancing both for the past four years.
Q. Why is Coco Gauff so rich?
A. Gauff has made $24.3 million from winning tennis matches, ranking her 18th among women players. Including her sponsorships, Celebrity Net Worth says she has $35 million in total. Forbes named her the top-earning female athlete in 2024.