CoCo Vandeweghe’s first-round performance at the Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge left those in attendance confounded.
Vandeweghe, the former world No. 9, made little effort in the second set of a U.S. Open tune-up in Landisville, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
While playing against Georgian Ekaterine Gorgodze in extremely hot conditions, Vandeweghe barely chased after balls. The American had won the first set but dropped the second 6-3.
Vandeweghe was seen grabbing at her legs at times.
After Gorgodze claimed the second set, the American called for a medical time-out, and shortly after, play was suspended due to the heat.
“CoCo was just about to call it a day when they said they’ve got to shut it down because of heat reasons,” a commentator said over the tournament’s livestream.
However, once the suspension lifted and Vandeweghe and Gorgodze returned to the court, the former’s lack of enthusiasm continued. When the pair warmed up, the Georgian was hitting forehands to Vandeweghe, who made it evident she had little interest in restarting the match.
She stood in place, hitting light forehands that came her way, but letting them go untouched if outside her immediate reach. To make a point, Vandeweghe switched to her non-dominant left hand for this bizarre warm-up, leaving the commentator gobsmacked.
“This is unbelievable. CoCo doesn’t want to warm up,” he said. “And she says, ‘If you’re going to make me do it, then I’m not going to move, I’m not going to do anything.’
“I’ve never seen this in my life. This is wild. She’s going to do just enough here just so she doesn’t get in trouble.”
Within two games of the third set, the match was once again suspended, but this time due to rain. Gorgodze led 6-7, 6-3, 2-0.