Coco Gauff will be hoping to defend her China Open title following a period of inconsistent play during the latter half of 2025.
The 21-year-old American won the China Open in 2024, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final.
Gauff has returned to defend her title in 2025, and will face Kamilla Rakhimova in her first match.
The American star has spoken to the media ahead of the tournament, reflecting on her preparation and the ongoing partnership with biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan.
During her pre-tournament press conference, Gauff caught the attention of onlookers with one particular statement, for which she has now been praised.
Rick Macci says Coco Gauff’s ‘practice tournament’ statement shows ‘unreal maturity’
On Monday, Gauff told reporters that the China Open feels ‘like a practice tournament,’ explaining that winning the French Open earlier this year had taken the pressure off the rest of her season.
This admission was somewhat surprising, given the China Open’s status as a WTA 1000 event.
However, the statement was also understandable, given the weight of expectation Gauff consistently manages as a star American player on the WTA Tour.
Rick Macci, the former coach of Serena and Venus Williams, has praised the courage of Gauff’s statement, saying it demonstrates ‘unreal maturity.’
On X [Twitter], Macci said: “I love Coco and her MINDSET that the China Open is a PRACTICE TOURNAMENT.
“For many that statement might be a shock but I see this as unreal maturity and the courage to say it and experiment in live combat.
“This is a gold nugget to EXPEDITE THE LEARNING COURAGE CURVE!”
The Leylah Fernandez threat
Unfortunately for Gauff, she could face former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the China Open third round.
Fernandez has had mixed results since winning the Washington Open title in July. However, the Canadian poses a threat against any WTA Tour player, especially on hard courts.
Fortunately for Gauff, history is on her side.
The American has won both of her previous two contests against Fernandez, both of which took place this year.
In the United Cup, Gauff defeated Fernandez 6-3, 6-2. A short time later, Gauff defeated the Canadian at the Australian Open, winning 6-4, 6-2.
