"We want to arrive well-prepared and injury-free at the US Open," Mboko's coach explains her player's absence in Cincinnati

Recently crowned champion of the WTA 1000 in Montreal, Mboko has made a strong statement at just 18 years old. Now ranked 24th, the player chose to skip Cincinnati in order to arrive in peak condition for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. A decision explained by her coach, Nathalie Tauziat.

"After Roland-Garros, when we mapped out the schedule leading up to the US Open, we set clear goals. Based on how she’s playing, we know she’s capable of achieving something big in New York.

So, we want to focus 100% on this tournament, to arrive well-prepared and without injury. After Montreal, it was crucial to manage the schedule wisely, which is why we’re not going to Cincinnati."

For context, Tauziat is a former player who peaked at world No. 3 (2000). In Grand Slams, she notably reached the Wimbledon final in 1998 (losing to Novotna).