Coco Gauff finally spills the beans on why she decided to skip Washington DC Open

In a revelation that clears weeks of speculation, American tennis star Coco Gauff has finally explained her surprise absence from the Washington DC Open, a key event in the North American hard-court swing.

Despite bowing out early from Wimbledon, many fans and analysts expected the 21-year-old to hit the ground running in Washington as part of her US Open buildup. Instead, Gauff made the calculated decision to skip the tournament entirely — a move that raised eyebrows across the tennis world.

Now, speaking at the Canadian Open, Gauff has opened up about the reasoning behind her choice, and it’s all about prioritizing quality over quantity.

Coco Gauff prioritized a crucial training block over match play

“For me, it was nice to actually have some time in between,” Gauff candidly shared during a press conference in Montreal. “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.”

Her decision, it turns out, wasn’t a response to poor form or injury, but a strategic move to reset and rebuild her game. With the WTA calendar packed with back-to-back tournaments, extended training windows are rare luxuries for top players. Coco Gauff used this downtime to sharpen her skills, refine her mental game, and enter the next leg of the season rejuvenated.

A refreshing return to Montreal

Now back in action at the Canadian Open in Montreal — a city she refers to as “refreshing” — Gauff is full of positive energy. “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,” she added.

The American sensation has her eyes firmly set on a deep run this time around. “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.”

With the US Open looming, Montreal offers the perfect proving ground. Coco Gauff, currently ranked among the WTA’s elite, will be looking to gain confidence and momentum before heading to New York.

Leylah Fernandez shines in DC, Gauff gears up for Canadian test

In Gauff’s absence, Leylah Fernandez stole the spotlight in Washington, conquering a formidable draw that included Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina to claim the title. Now, Fernandez too heads to Montreal with a trophy in hand and a growing sense of belief.

But with her "secret" training boost, Coco Gauff could be the one to watch in Montreal. Armed with rest, readiness, and renewed focus, she’s primed to challenge for the Masters 1000 title and remind everyone why she’s still a force to be reckoned with on the tour.