Coco Gauff Resumes Training for WTA Finals

The world No. 5 tennis player returned to practice after a month-long break following her recent performance in China.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Tennis

Coco Gauff Resumes Training for WTA Finals

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Coco Gauff has resumed her training routine following a month away from the professional tour. The 22-year-old athlete is currently preparing to compete in the upcoming WTA Finals held in Indian Wells.

Why it matters

Gauff took the hiatus to prioritize rest and physical recovery after a demanding year on the circuit. Her return signals a focus on end-of-season goals, including the WTA Finals and the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier.

Gauff holds the world No. 5 ranking and has secured 12 career titles to date. Her most recent tournament play includes a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Elise Mertens in Beijing on October 7 and a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Jessica Pegula in Cincinnati.

The players

Coco Gauff

She is a professional tennis player currently ranked fifth in the world who won the 2024 WTA Finals title.

Jean-Christophe Faurel

He is the professional tennis coach who has worked with Gauff in two separate stints since 2019.

Gavin MacMillan

He is a biomechanics specialist who joined Gauff's support team in August 2025 to assist with her training regimen.

Elise Mertens

She is a professional tennis player who defeated Gauff in the fourth round of the China Open.

Jessica Pegula

She is a professional tennis player who faced Gauff in the final of the Cincinnati tournament in August 2026.

The details

Under the guidance of coach Jean-Christophe Faurel and biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, Gauff is performing shadow drills to refine her movement. The training sessions involve striking forehands and backhands while quickly recovering to the court center.

Jean-Christophe Faurel first worked with Gauff in 2019.
Faurel rejoined Gauff's coaching team in April 2024.
Gavin MacMillan joined Gauff's team in August 2025.
Gauff was defeated by Elise Mertens in Beijing on October 7, 2026.
The WTA Finals will take place in Indian Wells from November 8 to November 15, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Gauff's return to the court is critical for her standing in the WTA Finals, where she aims to defend her competitive form. This period of rest and targeted technical training directly impacts her readiness for both the year-end finals and the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup.

Gauff's return ensures she will be active for the WTA Finals draw in Indian Wells. Her participation in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in November marks her next major competitive team commitment.

The takeaway

Professional athletes frequently manage lengthy schedules by incorporating strategic recovery breaks into their yearly planning. Implementing specialized biomechanics training can help players maintain consistency while minimizing the risk of burnout.

What happens next

Gauff is scheduled to compete in the WTA Finals in Indian Wells from November 8 to November 15, 2026, followed by the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Hungary in November.