Coco Gauff will not defend her Wuhan Open title after withdrawing from next week’s WTA 1000 event due to fatigue.
The 22-year-old made the decision shortly after falling to Elise Mertens in the round of 16 at the China Open on Wednesday, bringing an early end to her stay in Beijing.
“I’m disappointed to withdraw from Wuhan, especially as the defending champion,” Gauff said in a statement shared by the Wuhan Open. “I always love playing there. After a long year, my body needs some time to rest and recover. I look forward to returning next year.”
Gauff appeared to be running on empty during her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Mertens, struggling to find her usual energy and movement as the Belgian earned her first victory over the American in six career meetings.
It has been a busy season for Gauff, who owns a 47-15 record in 2026 and leads the WTA with 27 victories at WTA 1000 events.
Her withdrawal means she will not have the opportunity to defend the title she won in Wuhan last year, when she went through the tournament without dropping a set before defeating Jessica Pegula in the final. Gauff had compiled an 8-1 career record at the event across her two previous appearances in Wuhan.
The Wuhan Open begins next week, and runs from October 12-18.
The decision also gives Gauff a chance to recharge ahead of the final stretch of the season. She remains in strong position to qualify for the WTA Finals at Indian Wells (at No.5 in the race), and has also committed to play Billie Jean King Cup for Team USA in late November.
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