Coco Gauff is facing a late start at the 2026 China Open after the lengthy match between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev disrupted the tournament schedule in Beijing.
Gauff was originally expected to take the court at approximately 7 a.m. ET, or 7 p.m. local time in Beijing, for her third-round meeting with Chinese teenager and wild-card entry Xinran Sun. However, the start time was pushed back as Djokovic and Medvedev battled through a demanding contest.
Coco Gauff’s China Open Match Faces Delay
Gauff entered the China Open as one of the tournament’s major attractions and was scheduled to face Sun in the third round.
Sun has been one of the surprise performers in Beijing, earning victories over Eva Lys and Cristina Bucsa to reach this stage. The young Chinese player will now have the opportunity to face Gauff in front of a home crowd.
The Gauff-Sun match was projected to begin around 10 a.m. ET, although the exact start time remained dependent on the conclusion of the earlier men’s match.
Djokovic-Medvedev Match Creates Scheduling Problems
The delay was caused by an unusually long and physical contest between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. The match featured extended rallies and lengthy service games, with some games lasting several minutes.
Djokovic eventually advanced after Medvedev defaulted, allowing the China Open schedule to move forward and Gauff’s match to approach its new projected start time.
The situation highlights one of the biggest challenges facing tennis tournaments: organizers cannot always predict how long an earlier match will last.
No China Open Curfew for Coco Gauff
Despite the delay, Gauff does not have to worry about a strict tournament curfew. If she begins around 10:30 p.m. Beijing time, the match could potentially continue toward midnight.
That could create a challenging night for both Gauff and Sun, although the winner will have Tuesday off to recover.
For Gauff, the late start is unlikely to be unfamiliar territory. The American star has already experienced lengthy delays and demanding schedules during her career.
Belinda Bencic Also Part of the China Open Story
Belinda Bencic is another notable name attracting attention during the China Open period as the women’s tournament features several established stars competing deep into the Asian swing.
Gauff’s presence, however, remains one of the headline stories as she looks to continue her strong 2026 season. Her upcoming match against Sun will be closely watched, particularly because of the contrast between the experienced American star and the teenage Chinese breakthrough player.
Gauff vs. Sun Could Be a Fascinating Matchup
Sun’s run has already demonstrated that she is capable of handling pressure. Victories over Lys and Bucsa have given the teenager confidence heading into the biggest test of her China Open campaign.
Gauff will enter the match with significantly more experience at the highest level. She will also have to manage the unusual circumstances surrounding the delayed start.
The late-night environment could make the match particularly interesting, with home fans expected to remain in the stands to support Sun.
What Comes Next for Coco Gauff?
The immediate focus for Coco Gauff is reaching the fourth round of the China Open. If she defeats Sun, the additional recovery day on Tuesday could prove valuable as the tournament progresses.
The scheduling issue is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis. Even top players can see their routines changed by matches earlier on the schedule.
For Gauff, the key will be staying mentally prepared despite the delay and adapting quickly once she finally steps onto the court.
Coco Gauff China Open Schedule at a Glance
- Player: Coco Gauff
- Tournament: 2026 China Open
- Round: Third round
- Opponent: Xinran Sun
- Initial projected time: Around 7 a.m. ET
- Updated projected time: Around 10 a.m. ET
- Reason for delay: Extended Djokovic-Medvedev match
- Recovery: Winner has Tuesday off
The China Open schedule may have changed Gauff’s timetable, but the American star remains one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. Her matchup with Sun promises to be one of the most anticipated women’s matches in Beijing.
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