“I’m not used to playing with pain” – Gauff betrayed by right shoulder injury against Swiatek

The American required a medical time-out with the physiotherapist during her semi-final loss to Iga Swiatek in Beijing

Action Plus / Panoramic

Lucas Morlier

October 7, 2023

China Open •Semi-final • completed

See draw

C. GauffvsI. Swiatek

Coco Gauff’s streak had to come to an end. It wasn’t going to last forever. After 16 straight victories, including two that resulted in a Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati and a first Grand Slam title at the US Open, the American fell. But not to just anyone.

Iga Swiatek, who had already beaten Gauff seven times in eight meetings, brushed aside the 19-year-old after a one-sided match (6-2, 6-3). It was a brilliant performance from the World No 2, who made only six unforced errors in two sets.

Emphatic Iga 🧙@iga_swiatek snaps Gauff's 16-match winning streak in Beijing to reach her eighth WTA 1000 final! #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/3LmfqTLaB4
— wta (@WTA) October 7, 2023

There were some mitigating circumstances for Coco Gauff, however. She was visibly struggling with a right shoulder injury which forced her into a medical time-out in the second set.

“I’m not the type to call the physiotherapist. My coach recommended that I do it. It helped. But it’s really a new experience. I’m not used to playing with pain in general,” Gauff explained in her post-match press conference, after admitting that she had already felt pain in the quarter-finals against Maria Sakkari.

“From what I’ve been told, it’s not a terrible injury. With a little rest, you’ll be fine. But yes, it’s hard to live in circumstances you’re not used to. I feel like when you feel pain, you mentally wonder if it’s serious.”

Gauff is still scheduled to play at the Zhengzhou tournament starting Monday, where she is the top seed.

Gauff rightfully proud of her winning streak

After losing in the first round of Wimbledon to compatriot Sofia Kenin, there was little sign of the summer the 19-year-old prodigy would put together.

But Coco Gauff is now well-established at No 3 in the world, having become both a Masters 1000 and Grand Slam champion over the past two months.

After her defeat in the semi-finals in Beijing, the American was able to see the bigger picture of just what a brilliant season she has had.

“I’m very proud of myself. I think I still have a lot of things to improve. That’s what makes me excited for next year. After WTA Finals, I’ll have a few more weeks to train and improve. I notice that my game improves every time I take a two-week break to train.”

Coco Gauff, Beijing 2023 — Coco Gauff competes at the China Open in Beijing, 2023© Andy Wong/AP/SIPA

Gauff is now already looking ahead to 2024, which will be a big year for Brad Gilbert’s protégé.

“I hope that next year, I can continue to be consistent, maybe not sixteen times in a row, but as long as I can string together victories, Masters 1000 titles, and if possible a Grand Slam, That would be a big goal for me.”

Iga Swiatek and co have been warned.