Coco Gauff Critics Carlos Alcaraz Over Awkward Forbidden City Trip

It should have been a dream day out at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Instead, Coco Gauff has revealed that her long-anticipated tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City was cut short — and she says Carlos Alcaraz was to blame.

The 21-year-old American, who lifted the WTA 1000 China Open trophy in 2024, spoke candidly ahead of this year’s tournament about her brief cultural excursion with the Spanish world No.1. What could have been an unforgettable experience, she admitted, was “disrupted” when Alcaraz turned up late, forcing the entire tour to be rushed.

“Only 25 Minutes”

Speaking with a smile but a hint of frustration, Gauff said: “I want to experience the Forbidden City again — a complete experience. I only did it with Carlos for about 25 minutes. He arrived late, so the time was cut short. I didn’t get to enjoy much of it (laughs).”

The pair had caused a stir when they were photographed side by side on the ancient palace grounds last year. Images of the reigning US Open champion and the teenage prodigy-turned-WTA star wandering through imperial courtyards went viral across both tennis and lifestyle media.

But behind the picture-perfect snapshots, Gauff insists the tour was rushed and unsatisfying. “It’s such a special place,” she added. “You want to take your time and really appreciate it. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to do that this year.”

Fans Loved the Photos, But Gauff Wanted More

At the time, the sight of the sport’s brightest young stars embracing Chinese history was a PR dream. Both players went on to win their respective China Open titles, making the images appear almost prophetic.

Yet Gauff’s latest remarks suggest she left with unfinished business. Her honesty has reignited chatter about whether top players are spread too thin with media obligations and sponsor appearances, leaving little time to soak up the culture of host cities.

A Packed Schedule

Tournament insiders note that visiting landmarks like the Forbidden City is often scheduled between press duties, practice, and sponsor events. Players may be whisked through iconic locations with a tight time window.

Gauff acknowledged that reality, saying she understood why visits had to be limited. But she admitted disappointment at not being able to take it all in — especially given her partner on the tour was the sport’s biggest current name.

Whether she will get her wish for a “full” tour this year remains uncertain. With the China Open set against a backdrop of demanding matches and corporate commitments, few players have hours to spare.

Gauff’s Turbulent Build-Up

Gauff arrives in Beijing this year with more on her mind than sightseeing. Her preparation has been turbulent: she crashed out of the US Open in the fourth round and subsequently split with coach Matt Daly, the man who guided her to glory at both the China Open and WTA Finals in 2024.

The decision, widely seen as a response to her lingering serve inconsistency, raised eyebrows across the tennis world. While Daly was credited with sharpening her baseline game and mental toughness, critics say he struggled to fix the technical flaw that has haunted Gauff’s career.

Now, with Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal opening up the draw, the American sees an opportunity to reignite her season. But she faces formidable competition from Iga Swiatek, who is in red-hot form after claiming the Korea Open title.

Alcaraz Takes a Different Route

While Gauff prepares for battle in Beijing, Alcaraz will not be defending his China Open crown. Instead, the Spaniard opted for the Japan Open, citing scheduling priorities. His absence is a blow to Beijing organizers, who had hoped for a repeat of last year’s double coronation — Alcaraz and Gauff both hoisting trophies in the same city.

In Tokyo, however, Alcaraz has wasted no time immersing himself in Japanese culture. Local media reported him touring shrines, sampling traditional cuisine, and gamely trying his hand at calligraphy. It’s a reminder that, while his timing in Beijing may have left Gauff frustrated, the world No.1 has made cultural engagement a key part of his global brand.

A Gentle Dig — or Something More?

Gauff’s comments have been described by some as “light-hearted teasing,” yet others see them as a subtle dig at Alcaraz’s time-keeping and professionalism. Tennis fans on social media were quick to debate:

• “Classic Alcaraz, always late but still charming. Coco’s right though — 25 minutes in the Forbidden City isn’t enough for anyone!”

• “If he really respected the moment, he’d have shown up on time. Coco deserved better.”

• “This sounds playful more than angry. They both laughed it off — but it shows how packed their schedules are.”

The fact that both players went on to win their titles last year suggests the incident had no lasting impact on their friendship. Still, the revelation offers a glimpse into the small frictions that can arise even between two of the sport’s most marketable stars.

Culture vs. Competition

The anecdote also highlights a broader tension: can tennis’s biggest names truly experience the cities they visit when their days are swallowed by practice courts, press conferences, and sponsor events? For Gauff, who is just 21 and eager to broaden her horizons beyond tennis, the chance to connect with local culture is as valuable as match victories.

Her desire to revisit the Forbidden City “properly” is as much about personal fulfillment as it is about tourism. “It’s one of the most beautiful and historic places I’ve ever seen,” she said. “I want to take it in fully.”

Looking Ahead

Whether Gauff gets her wish this year remains unclear. The China Open is one of the busiest events on the WTA calendar, and with her draw expected to include Swiatek, Qinwen Zheng, and other rising stars, free time will be scarce.

But fans will be watching closely to see if the young American finds her form on court — and perhaps finds time for a second stroll through Beijing’s imperial palaces.

As for Alcaraz, his detour to Japan ensures he won’t be repeating the sightseeing snafu with Gauff anytime soon. Still, the Spaniard’s late arrival in Beijing last year is now part of tennis folklore — a reminder that even the world’s best can sometimes be guilty of running on their own schedule.

The Verdict

Coco Gauff’s gentle reproach of Carlos Alcaraz may not spark a feud, but it shines a spotlight on the hectic lives of tennis’s brightest stars. Between travel, matches, and sponsor commitments, even a simple cultural outing can become rushed or compromised.

For Gauff, the Forbidden City remains unfinished business. For Alcaraz, it’s a playful reminder that punctuality counts — even when you’re the No.1 player in the world.

Either way, the story adds a human twist to the glossy world of elite tennis. And it ensures that when the pair next cross paths — on or off the court — fans will be watching the clock as much as the scoreboard.