Cori Gauff left with tough decision as door opens to US Open main draw

Teen tennis sensation Cori Gauff could find herself in the main draw of the US Open but this would mean a big sacrifice

She wowed the crowds at Wimbledon and now American youngster Cori Gauff could be in line for the same opportunity with direct entry into the main draw of next months US Open but only after she “may make a professional decision”.

Speaking to famous New York newspaper, the NYPost, a tennis official explained that if she didn’t accept a wild card into the main draw of the US Open then it would make her eligibly to play more tournaments on the WTA Tour. At the moment Gauff can play 12 WTA tournaments before turning 16 after receiving a bonus 2 events due to her recent strong performances. However, she would qualify for 2 more events if she decides to play in the US open qualifying instead of accepting the wild card into the main event at the US Open. Her current ranking of 141 in the world would see her into the qualifying draw but not the main event.

Gauff lit up the grass courts of Wimbledon this year by winning through 3 qualifying rounds then upsetting Wimbledon legend Venus Williams in her first round of the main draw. She eventually lost to 2019 Champion Simona Halep.

The rules on number of tournaments played before you turn 18 were introduced on the WTA tour to protect the development of young players in case they are over exposed at a young age.

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