In a moment that blended youthful exuberance with lighthearted embarrassment, Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open women’s singles champion, found herself the center of attention for all the wrong reasons during a doubles match at the 2023 US Open. Partnered with fellow American Jessica Pegula, Gauff prematurely celebrated a victory that hadn’t yet been sealed, prompting chuckles from Pegula, the crowd, and even herself. The endearing blunder, which occurred during their first-round doubles clash against Elizabeth Mandlik and Quinn Gleason, became a viral moment, showcasing Gauff’s humanity amidst her meteoric rise. As the tennis world reflects on that unforgettable tournament, where Gauff claimed her maiden Grand Slam singles title, this humorous incident remains a charming footnote in her storied 2023 campaign.
At just 19, Gauff was already a global sensation, and her partnership with Pegula, a seasoned top-10 player, was a formidable force in the women’s doubles draw. Facing Mandlik and Gleason in New York, the American duo dominated from the outset, racing through the first set 6-2 and building a commanding 5-1 lead in the second. After Gauff unleashed a powerful forehand return to secure the fifth game, she mistakenly believed the match was over, rushing to embrace Pegula in celebration. The crowd at Grandstand erupted in laughter as Pegula, caught off guard, pulled away in confusion, realizing they still needed one more game to clinch the victory. Gauff, red-faced, covered her mouth and doubled over, giggling at her error. “Oh, I thought the match was over,” she confessed to the courtside reporter post-match. “I hit a great return and I went for a hug, and Jess was like going away from me. I was like, ‘Damn. Like what did I do?’ I realized that the match wasn’t over. There was no game, set, match, so that was me, my mess up!”
Pegula, unable to suppress her amusement, joined in the laughter, turning the moment into a shared jest that endeared the pair to fans. The lighthearted mishap didn’t derail their focus, as they swiftly sealed a 6-2, 6-1 victory to advance to the second round. The duo’s chemistry, both on and off the court, was evident, with Pegula later reflecting on their dynamic: “She has really good energy. A lot of first-pumping, jumping around, her athleticism and the youthfulness about her. She’s very giggly.” Their partnership carried them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 US Open doubles, where they fell narrowly to Wang Xinyu and Hsieh Su-wei, but Gauff’s singles triumph overshadowed the doubles exit, as she defeated Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to claim the title, becoming the youngest US Open champion since Serena Williams in 1999.
The 2023 US Open was a defining moment for Gauff, then ranked No. 6, as she navigated intense pressure and high expectations. Her premature celebration, while a source of amusement, highlighted her infectious enthusiasm, a trait that has made her a fan favorite. Pegula, who reached the 2024 US Open final but bowed out in the fourth round of singles in 2023, complemented Gauff’s vibrancy with her calm demeanor, creating a balanced partnership. “We were playing so good, so I thought it was over,” Gauff added, laughing off her blunder. The incident resonated on social media, with fans sharing clips of the moment, captioned with affectionate remarks like, “It happens to the best of us.”
Gauff’s emotional journey at the 2023 US Open extended beyond the doubles court. After her singles victory, she shared a poignant moment about her family’s reaction: “When I hugged my dad, I didn’t see him, because he went immediately for the embrace – but I heard him crying. I have never seen that man cry in my life. My mum, I knew she was going to cry regardless if I won or lost.” Her ability to balance vulnerability and resilience shone through, endearing her further to fans. Meanwhile, Pegula’s support for her compatriot was evident, as she later praised Gauff’s emotional strength during tough moments, noting, “Being able to break down in front of a stadium and still win the match — that takes guts.”
The 2023 US Open doubles gaffe remains a beloved anecdote in Gauff and Pegula’s storied partnership, which has since evolved. By 2025, the duo had scaled back their doubles commitments to focus on singles, with Gauff experimenting with new partners like Katerina Siniakova, with whom she won the 2024 French Open doubles title. Despite their split, their off-court friendship endures, marked by playful banter, such as Gauff calling out Pegula for ghosting her movie plans. As Gauff continues to build on her 2023 US Open legacy, her lighthearted misstep with Pegula serves as a reminder of the joy and humanity she brings to tennis, captivating audiences worldwide.
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