American tennis star Coco Gauff spoke to reporters at the China Open in Beijing, addressing her recent absence from the Billie Jean King Cup final and sharing her thoughts on the team’s performance. The world No. 3 offered insights into her travel schedule and discussed her confidence in her teammates. She also reflected on the strength of Italy’s squad and the challenges of competing at the highest level. Gauff’s comments set the tone for her title defense without revealing her plans.
What Did Coco Gauff Say About Team USA’s Performance at BJK Cup Finals?
Gauff played her first match since the US Open Round of 16 loss to Naomi Osaka. She wasn’t named for the BJK Cup Finals in a shocking decision, but her team managed to reach the finals, only to lose to the defending champions, Italy.
The defending champion is here! 👑@CocoGauff kicks off in Beijing against Rakhimova on Center Court.#2025ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/NzAgnrXZPw
— wta (@WTA) September 26, 2025
Gauff confirmed that she was traveling during last week’s Billie Jean King Cup final in Shenzhen and did not get a chance to watch either match. “I didn’t get to watch,” she admitted at the China Open press conference. “On the Final, I was traveling. I didn’t get to watch that day.”
Despite missing the live action, Gauff expressed strong faith in the U.S. squad. She noted that she believed the team had the talent to win: “I have a lot of faith in my team. I think they’re going to do well.” Praising Team Italy’s pairing of Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto, she added, “Team Italy is great. Jasmine and Elisabetta strive in those team environments when they play for their country.”
Acknowledging Italy’s status, Gauff added, “They’re the defending champion, or were the defending champion. I knew it would be tough.” She expressed optimism about the U.S. squad’s depth, saying, “I felt like this year they could have taken it.” Her remarks underscored both respect for the opponents and confidence in her own teammates.
Before ending it up, Gauff said, “I’m hoping that we can do well and qualify again. I’ll probably be playing next year,” confirming her participation next year at the tournament.
How Did Gauff Begin Her 2025 China Open Campaign?
In Beijing, Gauff opened her title defense against Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova. The second seed secured a straight-sets victory, winning 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 43 minutes. Gauff displayed solid serving, dropping just five points on her first delivery in the opening set, and dominated the second set without conceding a game.
Her baseline consistency and athletic movement were key factors, as she converted four of nine break points. After the match, Gauff reflected on returning to Beijing, where she won her first WTA 1000 title last year.
SEALED WITH AN ACE 🔥@CocoGauff begins her Beijing defense with a convincing 6-4, 6-0 win over Rakhimova 💪#2025ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/BS8zqQdsd9
— wta (@WTA) September 26, 2025
Next up for Gauff is a second-round clash with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, who defeated Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-0 earlier in the session. Fernandez’s aggressive groundstrokes and recent form present a fresh challenge.
With the draw opening up, Gauff aims to maintain momentum as she looks to defend her title. Her focus remains on adapting to conditions at the Olympic Green Tennis Center and building confidence ahead of the season’s final WTA 1000 events.
