UNICEF’s latest findings paint a sobering picture: the global progress in improving adolescent girls’ and women’s nutrition is dangerously off track – with no region set to meet 2030 targets for anaemia and low birthweight, and a significant rise in acute malnutrition in crisis areas. Parallelly, the WTA launched its #AheadOfTheGame initiative, which focuses on “screenings that monitor bone health, women’s health, heart function, skin health, breast health, and injury risks.” After the initiative’s prominent presence at the Miami Open, Coco Gauff is sharing her thoughts on her experience with it.

While the Miami Open showcases top-tier tennis as the second leg of the Sunshine Double, it also plays a critical role in safeguarding athlete health. For the tournament’s duration, Hard Rock Stadium becomes a medical epicenter, housing specialists from cardiology to dermatology. This mandatory screening process, involving over 11 doctor visits, is essential for athletes navigating demanding travel schedules. Gauff was the latest to have that experience.

A couple of hours ago, the WTA’s official Instagram page posted a video featuring Coco Gauff, Asia Muhammad, Caroline Garcia, and Yue Yuan, captioning, “Checking in from the Hologic WTA Physicals in Miami 👋 WTA players undergo comprehensive physicals to stay #AheadOfTheGame, with screenings that monitor bone health, women’s health, heart function, skin health, breast health, and injury risks 💚 But health isn’t just for the pros… A wellness checkup helps detect potential health issues before they become a problem, just like the WTA Physicals do for athletes. Schedule your wellness checkup today and take control of your health because winning starts with well-being!”

In the clip, a delighted Coco Gauff shared, “Hey guys, its Coco here, and I just want to talk to you guys about my amazing experience here in the WTA with Hologic at our annual physicals. And it’s not your ordinary physical. I got to check my bone health with DXA. I got to do a dermatology exam. I got to do a breast exam. I got to speak with an Ob-Gyn and so much more. And I am super thankful to be on this tour that cares and promotes women’s health. And you guy should celebrate that too. Thank you, Bye.”

Last year, these very examinations proved life-saving for doubles star Gabriela Dabrowski, leading to an early breast cancer diagnosis that, remarkably, did not prevent her from achieving a stellar season, including an Olympic gold medal in Paris, underscoring the fundamental role of health in athletic success.

As the title sponsor of the WTA, ‘Hologic’ goes beyond celebrating each tournament: it actively contributes to the WTA Foundation, donating for every ace served. This year, Hologic even introduced “Serving Up Greater Equity Against Breast Cancer,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising awareness and generating crucial funds for ‘breast cancer’ prevention and treatment in underserved communities, reinforcing its commitment to women’s health on and off the court.

However, despite the spotlight and Gauff’s appreciative words about the WTA’s medical initiatives in Miami, her on-court performance has faltered drastically.

Coco Gauff shared her raw thoughts after the Miami Open exit

In a surprising turn of events, third-seeded Coco Gauff, who recently expressed her thoughts on choosing between the number one ranking and winning another Grand Slam, was eliminated early from the Miami Open. She lost to 34th seed Magda Linette, 4-6, 4-6. The R16 loss left fans and analysts perplexed, as Gauff’s performance was plagued by inconsistency: 12 double faults and a staggering 45 unforced errors sealed her fate. This setback came just as it appeared that Gauff was regaining her rhythm.

She had dazzled earlier in the Miami Open, demolishing Sofia Kenin with a flawless double-bagel win and outclassing Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-4. Even those victories sparked hopes of a deep Miami Open run and a resurgence in confidence after a rocky start in the new season. However, the inconsistency resurfaced at the worst possible time in her career, leading to another frustrating exit in a season filled with ups and downs. 

“It wasn’t great today. It hasn’t been the last few weeks — I’m trying to figure that out. Definitely not happy about it… just one of those days when I felt awful in everything on the court,” she added after her exit from the Miami Open. 

As the former US Open champion battles through this rough patch, the clay season presents a golden opportunity for her redemption. She’s set to launch her campaign again in Stuttgart by mid-April, eager to rewrite her history on the surface where she has yet to make a deep impact, having reached just one QF in her last 3 appearances there. Could this be the season where Coco finally cracks the code and clinches her first singles title on clay this time?