With the Cincinnati Open underway, it’s a quick turnaround for those who enjoyed deep runs in Canada. Coco Gauff is no exception to this rule.
In fact, given that this represented her best-ever performance at the Canadian Open, her performances in Ohio could be impacted by this increased demand.
Alas, she is never one to complain.
The American will relish the opportunity to return to the United States, and if anything can refuel her energy supplies, it’s the roar of a home crowd.
She sat down ahead of her opening-round match this Sunday and spoke about everything from the Cincinnati Open to her goals for the rest of the 2026 season.
Coco Gauff previews her return to action at the Cincinnati Open
She began by outlining her excitement at returning to Ohio: “Yeah, I’m really excited to be back here in Cinci. First 1000 of this last part of the… no, no, it’s not, it’s the second. Oh my gosh, time goes by fast. But first one in the States.
“So, I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Cincinnati fans again and obviously have great memories here.”
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As referenced, it is a quick turnaround, having played and lost her Canadian Open semifinal match on Thursday, and yet she will play a new tournament before the week’s end.
Coco Gauff is well aware of the challenges this may present: “Honestly, it is difficult. I think that was the furthest I made in singles in Toronto or in Canada, so it was definitely a different approach coming here, but I have two practices. I already did one today, and the next one tomorrow, before I have to play on Sunday. So I’m just trying to keep the momentum that I had going on in Canada.”
She would then outline her love for this swing of the tour, explaining how, as a Floridian, the 22-year-old is more than ready to compete in the tough conditions the Cincinnati Open could provide.
A two-time Grand Slam champion, Gauff then shared her aspirations for the rest of the season whilst reviewing the recent strides made in her game: “Yeah, I definitely do. I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to where I want to end up as a player.
“Obviously, like you said, in Wimbledon and in Toronto, I had some good results and, you know, I think just trying to compete to be able to finish with a trophy in my hand is something that I am hoping to get before the season’s over.
“I’ve gotten a lot of semis, a couple finals, a lot of quarterfinals, so just trying to get to that final step.”
With her performances in recent months, it’s fair to say that Gauff’s controversial 2025 decision has paid off, and could provide even more success in the months to come.
Coco Gauff should have a comfortable start at the Cincinnati Open
If the turnaround is too much to ask, at least Gauff can be buoyed by the fact that she has been handed, on paper, a rather favourable start.
And, due to the nature of these new longer 1000 events, if she can win her opening-round match, the rest time will be much longer as well.
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The youngster will face Liudmila Samsonova, another player who was beaten by Elena Rybakina in Toronto.
Gauff boasts a 4-0 winning record against the Russian, having actually beaten her earlier this year as well.
