Coco Gauff confirms the reason why she did not play in Washington DC and decided to skip it

Follow us on Google Discover

Coco Gauff is back and ready to cause trouble on the WTA Tour, having opted against heading to DC after Wimbledon.

It was a move that surprised many, given the stature of the event, and also because the American had exited so early from the All-England Club.

She was one of a record number of seeds to fall within the first few rounds, and as such had ample time to begin her hard-court preparation.

And yet, Coco Gauff decided her time would be better spent elsewhere, although she never disclosed an official reason to explain her absence.

Now, she has.

Coco Gauff explains why she was absent from the Washington Open

Speaking to the Canadian Open press, the 21-year-old was open and honest as she sought to explain her absence from the Washington Open.

Gauff admitted: “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.

“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.”

In the end, Leylah Fernandez won the title in Washington, impressing as she swept aside stars like Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina during the week.

She will now return to Montreal, in her home country, brimming with confidence. Gauff is one of many who will be hoping to halt her momentum with a Masters 1000 title of their own.

And, Gauff has revealed a ‘secret’ benefit that she’s just gained ahead of the Canadian Open which can only help her cause.

Coco Gauff’s possible path to the Canadian Open title

With the draw having emerged just last week for the Canadian Open, Gauff now knows exactly what she must do to win this title.

And, many will be putting her down as the overwhelming favourite given Aryna Sabalenka has opted to skip this event.

Having received a bye in the first round, we have already been promised an all-American second-round clash, with the youngster facing Danielle Collins in round two.

Gauff is then likely to face one of Veronika Kudermetova or Olga Danilovic, before the likes of Diane Schneider, Sofia Kenin and Victoria Mboko will battle for a spot in the fourth round.

Jasmine Paolini remains the top-ranked player in her quarter, with stars like Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro all expected to potentially reach the semi-final.

And then, any one of Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova or Madison Keys could be waiting in the final.