Gauff and her pending account with Miami: "It's a tournament that I have on my list"
Coco Gauff arrives in Miami with the intention of changing her history at home, despite physical doubts following her injury at Indian Wells.
Coco Gauff arrives at the Miami Open 2026 with a mix of excitement, ambition, and a certain competitive urgency. The American, currently ranked number 4 in the world, faces the home tournament with the clear goal of changing a dynamic that has eluded her for years in Miami Gardens, where she has never advanced beyond the fourth round.
At 22 years old, Gauff returns to a special stage, where she achieved her first victory in a WTA main draw, but also one that has historically been a challenge for her. If it were any other tournament, she probably wouldn't be here as she is recovering from a left arm injury. But it's Miami, and the American is determined to tick it off her list of pending objectives.
A Tournament Marked in Red
"This is, obviously, a tournament that I have pending," acknowledged Gauff clearly. Despite playing practically at home, the American has not been able to bring her usual level to this event. She hasn't even found a clear explanation for her difficulties: "I don't know exactly why I haven't performed at my best here." She has tried different routines, from staying at home in Delray Beach to staying near the venue, but nothing has changed the trend: "I tried staying in a hotel closer to the tournament, but that didn't work either, so I've returned home," she explained with laughter.
Emotionally, it's evident as she will have family and friends in the stands this week. "They ask me, 'When are you playing? What time are you playing?' And I tell them, 'I don't know. I'll probably find out 10 minutes before you do, so check it online.' This is the week where sometimes I have to turn off my phone. But I love playing this tournament and it means a lot to me every time I step on these courts."
Physical Doubts after Indian Wells
The big question mark surrounding Gauff before the tournament was her physical condition. The American suffered a left arm injury in Indian Wells that forced her to retire in her fourth round match against Alexandra Eala, promptly undergoing an MRI scan. "I think it was related to a nerve," she explained.
She admits that she considered skipping the Miami Open and would probably have done so at another point in the calendar. But because it's Miami, she decided to push through. Fortunately, she has recovered well and is optimistic about her level heading into her debut. "Every day is different, but overall, I think I'll be fine to play this tournament. I might feel it at times on the court, but I notice it less every day."
Given a bye in the first round as the fourth seed, Gauff will face either Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Darja Semenistaja in her opening match. Beyond the draw, the challenge is clear: to change the narrative in such a special tournament.
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