The tennis world was surprised recently when Coco Gauff was left out of the US squad for this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals despite being the world number 2. Gauff, who has been one of the biggest names in American tennis over the last few seasons, will not be part of the lineup heading to Shenzhen, China, for the tournament, which is scheduled from September 16-21, 2025.
Why Is Coco Gauff Missing?
There has been no official explanation for Coco Gauff’s absence. Theories range from scheduling conflicts, as the Billie Jean King Cup falls shortly after the US Open, to personal or health reasons. Regardless, her name is not on the roster released by US captain Lindsay Davenport.
Instead, the US team will feature Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Hailey Baptiste, and Taylor Townsend. While Gauff’s presence would surely have boosted the team’s chances, the current squad has proven itself capable on the tour this season.
Recent US Team Performance and the Semi-Final
The US team secured its spot in the Finals after defeating Slovakia 2-1 in a do-or-die tie held in Bratislava. Hailey Baptiste was key, grabbing the first singles win, while Bernarda Pera sealed the victory with a gritty performance in her singles match. Both Baptiste and Pera were making their Cup debuts and managed to outperform expectations. Although the doubles match went to Slovakia, the two singles wins were enough to push the US through.
Now, with the Finals set to take place in Shenzhen and Team USA, without Coco Gauff, will start their campaign in the quarter-finals against Kazakhstan on September 18. If they win, they will move on to the semi-final on September 20, facing either Great Britain or Japan, depending on how that draw plays out.
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What’s Next for Coco Gauff and Team USA?
Even though Gauff won’t be in China for the Cup, her 2025 season has already seen highs and lows. She won the French Open earlier and made it to the Madrid Open semi-finals, but suffered an early exit at Wimbledon. Fans are hoping to see her bounce back at the upcoming US Open, which runs in New York from August 18 to September 8. Gauff’s focus will likely be there, and she’ll continue to work on her game for the rest of the season.
For Team USA, the new lineup will have to step up with some big names missing. Keys and Pegula are experienced, while Navarro, Baptiste, and Townsend bring energy and ambition. The US remains one of the most successful teams in Billie Jean King Cup history, and they’ll be looking to add another title to their record.
Billie Jean King Cup 2025: US Schedule
| Date | Stage | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2025 | Quarterfinal | Kazakhstan | First match in Shenzhen |
| Sep 20, 2025 | Semifinal | TBD (GB/Japan) | If US wins QF |
| Sep 21, 2025 | Final | TBD | If US reaches the final |
Also Read: FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025: How Are Indians Holding Against Chinese
