Second seed Coco Gauff of the United States advanced to the fourth round of the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open by walkover

Coco Gauff’s journey at the Cincinnati Open has taken an unexpected but welcome turn for her fans. The American tennis star, seeded second in the tournament, is now through to the fourth round — and she didn’t even have to hit a single ball to get there. Her advancement came via a walkover, meaning her scheduled opponent had to withdraw before the match took place.

While no one ever likes to see a player forced out due to injury or illness, the situation does give Gauff a little bonus rest — and considering how demanding the tennis calendar is, a free pass to the next round can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. She now has extra time to prepare, recover, and strategize for the bigger challenges ahead.

This tournament in Cincinnati is one of the key lead-up events to the US Open, and every match is an opportunity for players to fine-tune their game. For Gauff, who’s been in excellent form lately, skipping a potentially draining match could mean she arrives in the later rounds fresher and more focused. It’s also a chance for her coaching team to analyze potential opponents and refine her tactics without the wear and tear of another match.

Fans who were hoping to see her in action today might feel a little disappointed, but they can take comfort in knowing she’s still in the running for the title. Gauff’s mix of speed, power, and determination has already made her one of the most exciting players to watch on the women’s tour, and this unexpected turn just adds a twist to her Cincinnati campaign.

The walkover also shifts the dynamics of the draw. Players who were hoping to face a possibly fatigued Gauff later on will now have to deal with an energized version of her, which could make the competition even more intense. With her recent strong performances, she remains one of the clear favorites to go all the way in this tournament.

As the fourth round approaches, the spotlight will shine even brighter on Gauff. Fans will be eager to see how she uses this extra time off the court to her advantage. Whether it’s sharpening her serve, polishing her baseline game, or simply recharging mentally, one thing is certain — Coco Gauff is still very much in the hunt for the Cincinnati crown, and her journey is far from over.