“That’s why I didn’t play” – Coco Gauff reveals real reason behind skipping Citi DC Open as she admits difficulties behind hectic WTA schedule
Coco Gauff has candidly revealed the real reason behind her decision to skip the Citi DC Open, attributing it to the need for a proper training block amid the relentless demands of the WTA schedule, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges of elite tennis. The world No. 2 shared this insight during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the National Bank Open in Montreal, which kicked off today, Monday, July 28, 2025, at 06:27 PM WAT. Gauff, who hasn’t competed since her first-round Wimbledon exit to Dayana Yastremska on June 30, 2025, explained that her absence from the Washington event—where she won the title in 2023—was a deliberate choice to prioritize recovery and preparation. She stated, “It was nice to actually have some time in between. That’s why I didn’t play D.C., because I wanted to just have a real training block, which I hadn’t had in a while just because of how our schedule is.” This admission underscores the physical and mental strain of her 2025 season, which included a French Open triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in June but faltered with early grass-court losses.
Gauff’s decision reflects the grueling nature of the WTA calendar, where back-to-back tournaments leave little room for structured training. After her Paris victory, she faced a quick turnaround to the grass season, losing in Berlin and Wimbledon with 42 unforced errors, prompting a strategic break. Her Florida retreat—featuring a stylish brown bikini photoshoot and a canoe outing with boyfriend Jalen Sera—served as both a mental reset and a chance to address fitness, a move supported by her team to ensure peak condition for the North American hard-court swing. She elaborated, “The schedule’s been so packed that it’s hard to find time to really work on things,” admitting the difficulty of balancing competition with development, a challenge less pronounced for veterans like Serena Williams, who managed similar gaps with established routines.
This revelation has resonated with fans, who’ve noticed her need for consistency after a 33-10 record this year. Skipping Washington, where Emma Raducanu reached the semifinals, allowed Gauff to train in Delray Beach, focusing on her serve and movement ahead of Montreal, where she enters as top seed against a qualifier, and the US Open, where she defends her 2023 title from August 24. Her comments also hint at a broader WTA issue, with players like Iga Swiatek voicing similar concerns, though Gauff’s proactive approach—promising fan interactions in her New Balance shoes—shows resilience. Fans on X praised her honesty, with @GauffWatch noting, “Smart move to skip D.C. for training—respect the grind!”
As the evening settles at 06:27 PM WAT on July 28, 2025, Gauff’s admission sheds light on the sacrifices behind her success, framing her Citi DC Open absence as a calculated step toward sustaining her elite status, with the training block poised to shape her upcoming campaign.
