In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where careers often stretch into the late 30s, Jessica Pegula, the 31-year-old American star ranked world number four, has been contemplating an earlier exit from the sport. However, her close friend and former doubles partner, Coco Gauff, has other plans. In a candid and lighthearted exchange, the 21-year-old world number two has convinced Pegula to extend her career at least until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pushing back her retirement timeline and sparking excitement among fans eager to see the duo compete on home soil. “I was talking to Coco, and she was like, you can play until LA,” Pegula revealed. “She was mad at me because I was like, yeah, maybe a couple more years.”
## A Stellar Career and Retirement Thoughts
Pegula’s journey since turning pro in 2009 has been remarkable. With nine WTA singles titles, seven doubles titles, and a career-high ranking of number three in October 2022, she’s a force on the tour. Her runner-up finish at the 2024 US Open marked her best Grand Slam performance, and this year, she’s notched 37 wins in 52 matches, including three titles. Yet, the grueling demands of the WTA schedule have taken their toll. After experiencing burnout in 2024, Pegula has adopted a year-to-year approach, prioritizing health and performance. “I definitely will not be playing at 35 – definitely not,” she declared, setting a firm boundary. But Gauff’s influence has added a new goal: the 2028 Olympics.
The idea of competing in Los Angeles, where the Olympics will be held in three years, has become a “cool motivation” for Pegula. “I think it would be cool to try and make the Olympics because it’s in LA in a couple of years,” she said. Gauff, however, was insistent, arguing that Pegula’s clean ball-striking and top-20 caliber make retirement before 2028 unthinkable. “She’s like, if you’re going to play two more years, you might as well just play another year for the LA Olympics,” Pegula recounted. “She’s like, you can just stay top 20. The way you hit the ball, you’ll be fine. I’m not letting you retire before the LA Olympics, especially if I qualify!” Pegula, then 30, laughed off the idea, noting, “I was like, Coco, it’s a long time, I’m going to be 34, what are you talking about?”
## A Bond Beyond the Court
The friendship between Pegula and Gauff, forged through their successful doubles partnership, adds a heartfelt layer to this story. Together, they reached the world number one doubles ranking, won four titles, including three WTA 1000 events, and made the 2022 French Open final. They also represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, though their campaign ended in the second round. “Coco and I played so much for a couple years there. We did great. A lot of really amazing results and memories,” Pegula reflected. Their off-court camaraderie shines through in playful moments, like Gauff jokingly calling out Pegula for ditching movie plans. “Jess and I, we’re cool,” Gauff said, laughing about a missed outing to see *Captain America: Brave New World*.
Despite their strong bond, the duo parted ways as doubles partners after the Paris Olympics to focus on singles careers. Pegula, who has scaled back doubles in 2025, explained, “The schedule just gets really, really tough. I’ve barely played this year, probably won’t play any of the Grand Slams.” Her recent doubles efforts with players like Desirae Krawczyk have been less successful, including a retirement in Miami due to physical strain. Gauff, too, has prioritized singles, skipping the 2025 US Open mixed doubles to conserve energy. “I’m very competitive; if I were to lose, I would not be happy,” she admitted, highlighting her focus on major titles.
## Personal Priorities and Future Plans
Pegula’s retirement timeline is also shaped by personal goals, particularly her desire to start a family. Married to Taylor Gahagen since 2021, she’s clear about not returning to tennis post-motherhood. “I think when I have a kid, I’m done,” she said. “I admire the women that do that, but that’s just not for me.” This stance contrasts with players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, who made comebacks after childbirth. Pegula’s decision underscores her desire for a clean break, with the LA Olympics potentially serving as her swan song. “For an American woman, the cut is kind of high – you have to be top 15 to make it,” she noted, acknowledging the challenge of qualifying at 34.
## Looking Ahead to the US Open
As Pegula prepares for the 2025 US Open, where she hopes to surpass her 2024 runner-up finish, her recent form has been inconsistent. A first-round Wimbledon loss and a third-round exit to Magda Linette at the Cincinnati Open, where she won 6-4, 6-3 over Kimberly Birrell, highlight the challenges ahead. Gauff, meanwhile, is chasing her second Cincinnati title and a strong US Open showing after her 2023 victory. Their friendly rivalry—Pegula leads their head-to-head 4-2—adds intrigue, with fans hoping for another chapter in their story at Flushing Meadows. The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK, the Tennis Channel in the US, and Sony Sports Network in India, with streaming on NOW and Tennis TV.
With Gauff’s encouragement and Pegula’s renewed energy, the 2028 Olympics loom as a tantalizing goal. Whether Pegula can maintain her top-tier form and join her friend in LA remains to be seen, but their bond and shared ambition promise an exciting journey.
Leave a Reply