What's next for Coco Gauff after her exit from the US Open 2024? Everything to know about the American's schedule
Coco Gauff's title defense at the US Open 2024 came to an end at the hands of Emma Navarro in the fourth round, losing to her in three sets. She previously was ousted by her compatriot at the same stage from Wimbledon a few weeks ago as well.
After an uneventful summer hardcourt swing, Gauff is taking some time to regroup before she returns to the tour. Her next scheduled tournament is the WTA 1000 in Beijing, the China Open. She made the semifinals there last year, going down to her nemesis Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
Gauff will then remain in China for the season's final WTA 1000 event, the Wuhan Open. The tournament returns to the tour for the first time since the completion of the 2019 edition. It wasn't held the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and didn't find a place on the calendar until now. This will mark her debut at the tournament.
There are two WTA 500 tournaments and five WTA 250 tournaments lined up after the Wuhan Open. Gauff isn't on the entry list for any of them for now. However, if she underperforms at the two WTA 1000 events in China, then she may decide to participate in them to ensure her place in the WTA Finals isn't in jeopardy.
Coco Gauff is currently sixth in the race to qualify for the WTA Finals 2024
After the conclusion of the US Open 2024, Coco Gauff finds herself ranked in sixth place with 3968 points in the race to the WTA Finals. Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have already qualified, and Barbora Krejcikova is a lock to participate as well.
The WTA has adopted a new rule that a reigning Grand Slam champion will be eligible to compete in the WTA Finals if they're ranked between eighth to 20th. This most likely guarantees a place for Krejcikova, which leaves five spots open for now.
Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini have 4981 points and 4865 points respectively, and are a safe bet to qualify. Jessica Pegula has 4466 points and is most likely to make the cut as well. This essentially leaves players fighting for two out of the final eight spots.
Gauff is ahead of Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins by 400 and 790 points respectively. As long as she outperforms them in the coming weeks, she's likely to qualify for the WTA Finals.