Coco Gauff’s Decision Not to Play Mixed Doubles at the US Open Was a Stroke of Genius

First, Gauff’s reasoning is bluntly relatable. She told reporters at a Cincinnati Open press conference that the week leading up to the US Open is already jam-packed with sponsor commitments. “For me, it was just because I know the free week of the US Open is already packed for me,” she explained, sprinkling in a bit of her trademark honesty. “And it was just like a whole other thing.”

Translation? She’s busy, booked, and doesn’t have time to hash out another activity that demands mental energy. And speaking of energy, Gauff’s competitive streak came into full view when she admitted, “If I were to lose, I would not be happy.” Ouch. She didn’t want to risk bumping her focus or racking up unnecessary frustration over a match she wasn’t 100% invested in. Mood, Coco. Mood.

Scheduling? A Nightmare

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center scheduled the glitzy new doubles event for August 19 and 20, with the tournament proper starting almost immediately after. The timing is a logistical headache for players with tight prep schedules. Gauff saw it coming a mile away, pointing out the trade-offs. She would finish doubles Monday and potentially play singles the very next day. Exhausting, no? Even with her superhuman fitness, Gauff wasn’t about to jeopardize her real goal of dominating singles to please a calendar that didn’t respect her priorities.

A Cool No, Not a Hard No

What’s interesting is that Gauff didn’t entirely shut the door on mixed doubles. She clearly thinks the revamped event is a great idea, saying, “I think it’s going to be an exciting two days… not knocking it off for the future.” The problem lies in tennis players’ meticulous schedules, which are often planned over a year in advance. Gauff’s a professional grade-A perfectionist, and her sponsor weeks are locked in like clockwork. This year, mixed doubles just didn’t fit.

If that’s not savvy career planning, I don’t know what is.

What She’s Actually Focused On

While mixed doubles victims—I mean participants like Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul, and Iga Swiatek duke it out, Gauff’s eyes are already on the prize. Currently competing in the WTA Cincinnati Open as the second seed, she’s off to a great start with her 6-3, 6-2 win over Wang Xinyu in Round 2. Sure, she threw in eight double faults during that match (type-A personalities occasionally wobble), but she’s likely sparing her best energy for the tougher days ahead.

Next up? A third-round showdown against no. 32 seed Dayana Yastremska. The drama? Yastremska snagged the last win over Gauff at Wimbledon, taking her down in straight sets. You know Gauff has some receipts to settle there. Popcorn, anyone?

A Masterclass in Prioritization

Gauff’s decision isn’t just about skipping out on doubles. It’s indicative of a level of strategic thinking that few athletes master early in their careers. She recognizes her limits, knows her goals, and is unapologetically prioritizing what matters most. Honestly, isn’t that the energy we all need going into our busy weeks?

Whether it’s a calculated pivot or a much-needed “nah” when something doesn’t feel worth your time, Gauff is showing us the blueprint for long-term success. She’s not here for the bells and whistles of sideline competitions; she’s here to win singles titles and stay atop her game. The revamped mixed doubles event is exciting, innovative, and full of hype—but Gauff can afford to wait for a year when her calendar and goals align.

For now, we’ll just keep watching her unlock this winning era. Whatever’s next for Gauff, you can bet she’ll tackle it like the tennis queen she is.