Why Coco Gauff snubs WTA tournament despite being defending champion

Coco Gauff, the defending champion of the ASB Classic, has decided not to compete in this year’s tournament, opting instead to focus on team competition at the United Cup in Perth, Australia.

Gauff, who has won the Auckland-based WTA 250 event twice, cited her positive experience at the Paris Olympics as a motivation to embrace another team-focused event. She expressed her admiration for the ASB Classic but emphasized the importance of higher-level and team-based play in preparation for the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, the tournament will draw attention as Emma Raducanu makes her WTA comeback after a lengthy injury hiatus, adding intrigue to the event’s lineup.