In the electric atmosphere of Beijing, where the China Open unfolds as one of tennis’s grand stages, Coco Gauff should be basking in the glow of her status as defending champion. At just 21, the American phenom has already carved her name into the sport’s history books, with a 2024 title defense that cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. Yet, as the WTA 1000 tournament kicks off under the shadow of the Forbidden City, Gauff’s return feels anything but regal. In a moment of raw honesty that’s as refreshing as it is disarming, she admitted the surreal disconnect of her title defense. “It feels like a practice tournament,” she confessed, her words slicing through the hype with a vulnerability that makes her all the more relatable. For a player who thrives under pressure, this candid reflection reveals the complex layers beneath her champion’s crown.
The China Open, a glittering showcase of tennis elite, is no stranger to drama. With its sprawling courts and a prize pot that draws the world’s best, Beijing is where legacies are burnished and reputations forged. Last year, Gauff stormed through the draw, her blistering forehands and relentless athleticism overwhelming opponents en route to a career-defining triumph. At 20, she became the youngest China Open champion in over a decade, a victory that propelled her to World No. 3 and fueled dreams of Grand Slam glory. But as she stepped back onto the Beijing courts this week, the weight of that achievement seemed to sit uneasily. “I don’t feel like the defending champion,” she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of introspection and resolve. “It’s not the same pressure as last year. It’s just another tournament to me now.”
That sentiment, delivered with Gauff’s trademark candor, speaks volumes about her mindset. Fresh off a mixed 2025 season, where flashes of brilliance—like a semifinal run at Indian Wells and a gritty Roland Garros quarterfinal—have been tempered by early exits, Gauff is navigating the fine line between confidence and reinvention. Her Beijing title defense comes on the heels of a frustrating US Open, where a fourth-round loss to Emma Navarro stung more than she let on. “I’m not where I want to be yet,” she shared in a press conference, her eyes fixed on some distant goal. “But I’m working on it, and being here reminds me what I’m capable of.” It’s a glimpse into the psyche of a young star who’s already tasted the pinnacle but knows the climb never gets easier.
Gauff’s “practice tournament” remark isn’t a dismissal of Beijing’s prestige but a window into her process. At 21, she’s juggling the expectations of a tennis world that anointed her the next Serena Williams while grappling with the technical tweaks that define a champion’s evolution. Her 2024 season saw her overhaul her serve under new coach Matt Daly, a gamble that paid dividends in Beijing last year but has since yielded inconsistent results. Her forehand, once a weapon that could dictate rallies, has betrayed her in clutch moments, spraying errors at inopportune times. Yet, her backhand remains a thing of beauty—crisp, versatile, and capable of turning defense into offense in a heartbeat. In practice sessions this week, onlookers noted her drilling that backhand with renewed ferocity, as if reminding herself of the firepower still at her disposal.
The Beijing draw is a gauntlet, with Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and rising stars like Mirra Andreeva lurking. Gauff, seeded among the top, faces a tricky opener against a qualifier, but her path could quickly collide with heavy hitters. Last year, she navigated similar challenges with a poise that belied her age, dropping just one set en route to the title. “I love the courts here,” she said, a smile breaking through her earlier introspection. “The bounce suits my game, and the crowd brings an energy that pushes you to dig deep.” That energy will be crucial as she aims to silence doubters and reclaim her swagger on a stage that once crowned her.
Beyond the Xs and Os of tennis, Gauff’s Beijing journey carries emotional heft. She’s spoken openly about the mental toll of being a young Black woman in a sport often cloaked in privilege, balancing her role as a trailblazer with the grind of professional life. Her activism—vocal on issues like racial justice and mental health—has endeared her to fans but added layers of responsibility. “Sometimes you forget to just play,” she mused, reflecting on the whirlwind of her rise. “Coming back here, it’s like, okay, let’s strip it down and have fun again.” It’s a mindset that could unlock the fearless Coco who dazzled in 2024, the one who danced through pressure points and celebrated with a joy that lit up arenas.
As Beijing’s lights burn bright, Gauff’s title defense is less about repeating history and more about rediscovering her spark. The “practice tournament” quip, delivered with a wry smile, isn’t a sign of complacency but a declaration of freedom—a champion reminding herself that greatness doesn’t always need a crown to shine. Fans will watch, hearts racing, as she steps onto the court, her racket a wand capable of magic. In a sport where every point is a fresh start, Coco Gauff is ready to write her next chapter, one fearless swing at a time.
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