Coco Gauff, one of the most prominent names absent from the US Open mixed doubles this year, explained that sponsorship commitments prevented her from competing. The mixed doubles event was held over two days just before the Grand Slam, featuring several top singles players but missing some key doubles participants, including Gauff, ranked number two in the world.
The tournament was won by the defending champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who secured the US Open mixed doubles title without facing Gauff on their path. The event itself had a revamped format played under the Fast 4 rules, where sets were decided by winning four games, and ties at 4-4 were resolved in a tiebreak. Though the final reverted to traditional scoring, the tournament sparked discussion about its structure and competitor selection.
Coco Gauff Shares Her Thoughts on the Format and the Reasons Behind Her Absence
Gauff openly shared her feelings about the mixed doubles event and why she was unable to join this year’s competition. She mentioned having a strong interest in mixed doubles, as she enjoyed last year’s one-set format alongside Ben, calling it a fun experience. However, her schedule was filled with sponsor obligations that made participation impossible.
“I definitely watched it. I did have some FOMO (fear of missing out). I love mixed doubles, and I did the one-set format last year with Ben, which was really fun,”
Gauff said.
She continued by explaining her approach to competition, emphasizing her focus on winning and committing fully when she decides to participate in any event.
“I just had so much sponsor stuff this week, so I was just like I knew from the beginning that it wasn’t going to be a possibility for me. I’m someone who likes to win, and I’m locked in if I’m doing something. I knew I would try to be as locked in with that. I thought it was really cool and it was great to see the mixed doubles get the recognition that it needs.”
Regarding the event‘s future, Gauff praised the new format but suggested it could be improved to allow more specialized doubles players to take part.
“And yeah, I definitely think the format was great, but I definitely think for next year there can be some changes, maybe with the entry, just allow more doubles specialists to compete.”
Possibility of Coco Gauff Returning to Mixed Doubles at the US Open
Despite missing this year’s mixed doubles tournament, Gauff has a strong record in doubles competition, including winning the 2024 French Open doubles title with Katerina Siniakova. Her best mixed doubles performance came at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, where she reached the semifinals partnering with Jack Sock.
Gauff did not dismiss the chance of playing mixed doubles at the US Open in the future, though she acknowledges the challenge of managing her demanding New York schedule during the Slam.
“I’m never going to shut anything down. There’s definitely a possibility for me to play in the future,”
she said.
She also noted that other Grand Slam events might offer more opportunities for mixed doubles, possibly making it easier to fit into her calendar.
“But if other slams catch on, I feel like it will be a little bit easier there.”
As Gauff prepares for her singles debut at the US Open against Alja Tomljanovic on Monday, her focus remains strong on her singles campaign, while leaving the door open for mixed doubles participation in upcoming tournaments.