Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old world No. 3 and defending champion at the China Open, has stirred controversy ahead of her title defense in Beijing by labeling the prestigious WTA 1000 event a “pre-season” or “practice tournament.” The remarks, made during a pre-tournament press conference on September 22, underscore Gauff’s focus on long-term growth over immediate results following a turbulent 2025 season marked by coaching changes and inconsistent performances. While some, like legendary coach Rick Macci, hail her mindset as “unreal maturity,” others warn it could alienate organizers and fans, potentially inviting backlash in a tournament that offers 1,000 ranking points and a $2.87 million prize pot.
The Comments: A ‘Practice Tournament’ Mindset
Gauff arrived in Beijing fresh off a fourth-round US Open exit to Naomi Osaka (6-3, 6-2 on September 1), where her serve faltered with 19 double faults amid broader struggles that saw her tally a tour-high 311 doubles for the year. In her presser, she framed the Asian hard-court swing—starting with the China Open (September 28–October 6)—as experimental groundwork for 2026.
“Yeah, I guess the focus is really just building for next year and treating this part of the swing kind of as a preseason almost, which I did that last year,” Gauff said. “Ended up being successful, so we’ll see. Although technically I’m the defending champion [in Beijing], it doesn’t feel like that at all. It feels, again, like a practice tournament. So we’ll see how it goes.”
She added a layer of introspection: “I don’t know how I feel right now. I definitely feel a lot lighter.” Gauff’s candor reflects a post-French Open shift—her second Slam triumph in June over Aryna Sabalenka lifted “expectation weight,” allowing experimentation despite defending 1,000 points in Beijing (where she beat Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the 2024 final).
Backlash Risks: Undermining a Major Event?
The phrasing has drawn mixed reactions. Critics, including some Chinese media outlets like *Sina Sports*, labeled it “disrespectful” to a tournament that draws massive crowds and features stars like Iga Swiatek (No. 1 seed) and Zheng Qinwen (home favorite). One Weibo user posted: “As defending champ, calling it ‘practice’? Insulting to Beijing fans.” Organizers have yet to respond, but similar past comments (e.g., Naomi Osaka’s 2023 Wuhan pullout) have led to sponsor scrutiny and fan boycotts.
On X, the debate rages: “Gauff’s being real—end of season fatigue is brutal,” one supporter tweeted, while detractors fired: “WTA 1000 ain’t ‘practice’—arrogant much?” Gauff’s history of clapbacks—shading trolls after her 2024 China win (“Kids have the best outlook”)—suggests she’s unfazed, but the timing, amid her serve overhaul with new coach Gavin MacMillan (absent in Beijing due to scheduling), amplifies the stakes.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Reinvention
Gauff’s 2025 has been a whirlwind: Triumph at Roland Garros (defeating Sabalenka in a three-hour final) marked her second Slam, but a first-round Wimbledon flop to Dayana Yastremska, a Toronto shock to 16-year-old Victoria Mboko, and the US Open letdown (37 doubles across two matches) exposed vulnerabilities. Mid-season, she parted with coach Matt Daly after the Canadian Open debacle (37 doubles in two losses), enlisting MacMillan (ex-Sabalenka specialist) and J.C. Faurel for a serve revamp.
Her Beijing approach mirrors 2024’s success: Treating it as “pre-season” yielded the title then, boosting her to year-end No. 3. Macci, who trained a young Serena Williams, backed her on X: “I love Coco’s MINDSET… unreal maturity and courage to experiment in live combat. Gold nugget to EXPEDITE the LEARNING CURVE!”
The Path Forward: Defense or Experiment?
Gauff opens against qualifier Katie Volynets or lucky loser on September 29, with a potential third-round clash vs. Emma Raducanu and quarters vs. Swiatek. Defending 1,000 points is crucial for WTA Finals qualification (Riyadh, November), but her “lighter” vibe signals priorities: Serve consistency (target: under 5 doubles per match) and 2026 prep.
If backlash mounts, Gauff’s track record—defying critics post-2023 US Open win—suggests resilience. As she steps on Diamond Court, her words could either deflate expectations or ignite a surprise run. Either way, Beijing’s stage is set for drama.
