Coco Gauff says she already has a full list of commitments during the US Open and playing the mixed doubles event would only make it more difficult and would probably consume her "mental energy."
When the US Open announced its player field for the first time in late June, Gauff was the only top-10 WTA player who didn't sign up for the star-studded mixed doubles tournament. While some found it surprising, many were disappointed, considering that she is the top-ranked American female tennis player and probably the biggest star in New York.
Between August 19-20 - which is the qualifying week of the US Open - the mixed doubles event in question will take place. It will be a 16-team event, with the winning pair taking home a historic $1 million prize money.
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In Cincinnati, Gauff was asked to address her decision to skip the star-studded tournament. And when answering the question, the two-time Grand Slam champion offered a very direct and honest response.
Gauff: If I were to play and lose, I wouldn't be happy... Didn't want to waste mental energy on that
"For me, it was just because I know the free week of the US Open is already packed for me, for sponsor things, and it was just like a whole other thing. And Im very competitive; if I were to lose, I would not be happy. So, I didnt want to waste mental energy on that. Then on top of the sponsor stuff, the pre-week, and then knowing that this finished on Monday and potentially having to play on Tuesday. Well, you would have to play on a Tuesday. So I just knew it wasnt going to work out for me, scheduling-wise," the world No. 2 explained.
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Even without Gauff, the locals will have someone to cheer on as three American teams have been confirmed - Jessica Pegula &Tommy Paul - Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe - Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka.
