Key Takeaways
- Defending champion Coco Gauff has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open due to physical exhaustion following her loss to Elise Mertens at the China Open.
- During her defeat in Beijing, Gauff informed her coaching box, “I have no energy,” while battling extreme fatigue and dizziness.
- The withdrawal follows days of intense online racist abuse directed at the American after she invoked tennis’s hindrance rule during her win against Sun Xinran.
Exhaustion cuts short Asian swing for American star
World No. 4 Coco Gauff has pulled out of the upcoming Wuhan Open, choosing to prioritize rest rather than defend her championship at the final WTA 1000 event of the 2026 calendar. The decision follows a physically punishing match at the China Open and several days of distress away from the court.
Gauff confirmed her exit in a written statement, explaining that her physical limits had caught up with her after an extensive season. She stated that her “body needs some time to rest and recover” as she stepped away from the tournament.
Struggles in Beijing prompt necessary recovery
The 22-year-old suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat against Elise Mertens in Beijing, during which her physical condition deteriorated rapidly. As the second set progressed, Gauff alerted her team to her alarming state, telling them, “I have no energy.” She also admitted to her bench that she could barely track the ball and felt on the verge of fainting.
Her physical distress came immediately after a fraught few days in China. Following a second-round victory against 16-year-old Sun Xinran, Gauff faced extensive online hostility for stopping a rally due to changing digital sponsor boards. The American requested a hindrance review, which is permitted under WTA rules, but subsequently encountered severe racist abuse across social media channels.
Speaking after her loss to Mertens, Gauff noted that the emotional strain had left her drained before the match. While missing a mandatory WTA 1000 event forfeits the 1,000 ranking points she earned in Wuhan last year, the American has decided that stepping away to recuperate is the best course of action.
Cori Gauff in 2026
At the moment ranked no.4, Gauff played her last match on the 7th of October when she surrendered to world no.19 Elise Mertens 6-3 6-3 in the 4th round in Beijing (draw).
Presently, during this year Gauff has an overall 47-16 match record. The American clinched 1 title in Cincinnati.
