Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, two of the most prominent names in American tennis, are making a strategic shift in their careers by scaling back on doubles play to focus on their singles matches. Their decision highlights the demanding nature of the WTA tour schedule and underscores the commitment both players have to strengthening their singles performances, particularly as they gear up for significant tournaments in the near future.
Pegula, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, recently shared insights into the decision to put doubles on hold for the remainder of 2024. She explained that Gauff, her usual doubles partner, isn’t particularly interested in continuing their doubles matches right now. “For me, I’m not sure. I know Coco isn’t interested in playing, or at least I’m not… we’re not thinking of playing, so I probably will take it easy on the doubles the rest of the year,” Pegula said. Although the two have found success as a team, Pegula acknowledged that their focus needs to shift, and she is prepared to center her energy on singles events. “I think I’ll just play maybe whenever I kind of want to, and maybe just focus on singles the rest of the year,” she added.
Gauff, who has been steadily climbing the singles rankings and gaining more experience, echoed Pegula’s sentiments. She explained that the main driver behind her decision is her commitment to preparing for the 2024 Olympics. Gauff, who is widely seen as a future star for Team USA, expressed that her goal is to refine her game and maximize her potential as a singles player on the world stage. During a press conference, Gauff emphasized that the grueling week-in, week-out schedule of the WTA tour presents unique challenges that make it difficult to excel in both singles and doubles. She explained that her decision to take a step back from doubles will allow her to better manage her schedule and focus her efforts where they’re needed most.
Pegula’s singles record in 2024 demonstrates just how seriously she’s taking her singles career. The 30-year-old has had an impressive season, compiling a 24-10 match record so far. Her strong showing in recent tournaments is a testament to her form and consistency, particularly in high-stakes matches. Currently, Pegula is competing at the Toronto Open, where she has advanced through several rounds to reach the semifinals. She began the tournament with a bye in the first round, a common privilege for high-ranking players. In her next matches, she delivered strong performances, defeating world No. 45 Karolina Pliskova 7-5, 6-4, followed by a solid win over world No. 82 Ashlyn Krueger, whom she beat 6-2, 6-4. In her quarterfinal matchup, Pegula faced world No. 53 Peyton Stearns and came out on top with a 6-4, 7-5 victory, further cementing her position in the tournament.
Pegula is now set to face world No. 24 Diana Shnaider in the Toronto semifinals. This will be the first time these two players have met on the main tour, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the matchup. Pegula’s success in Toronto is part of a broader pattern of strong performances this year. Earlier in 2024, she claimed a singles title in Berlin, which marked her first tournament victory of the season. This achievement brought her career total to six titles, with five on hard courts and one on grass. Her ability to perform on different surfaces speaks to her versatility as a player and her potential to secure more titles as she focuses on singles.
After Toronto, Pegula is set to compete in Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open. With her momentum from recent wins, she will enter the main draw in Cincinnati as a strong contender. The tournament, set to begin on August 12, offers her another opportunity to gain points and improve her ranking as she continues to solidify her status as a top player on the WTA tour.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff’s focus on singles is part of a larger trajectory that has seen her rise rapidly in the ranks. Known for her explosive playing style and exceptional athleticism, Gauff has become a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players on the tour. Her singles success has come alongside an intense travel and match schedule, which likely influenced her decision to scale back on doubles. Her drive to represent the United States in the Olympics has also motivated her to focus exclusively on singles, ensuring that she is in peak form for the games.
The decision to step back from doubles reflects a growing trend among elite tennis players to prioritize singles, especially when balancing the demands of a rigorous tour schedule. In modern professional tennis, players must be mindful of maintaining their physical and mental endurance over the course of the season. By focusing on singles, Pegula and Gauff are making strategic decisions to enhance their individual performances while reducing the risk of burnout or injury. This approach could ultimately extend their careers and allow them to compete at a high level for years to come.
Another consideration for Pegula and Gauff may be the benefits of refining their singles games independently. While doubles provides valuable experience and the chance to build teamwork, singles competition requires players to rely entirely on their own skills and strategies. By focusing on singles, they can dedicate more time to mastering specific areas of their games, from powerful serves to precise baseline shots and net play.
This pivot in their careers is a natural progression, and fans can expect both Pegula and Gauff to bring their best to upcoming singles tournaments. With Pegula continuing her ascent in the rankings and Gauff setting her sights on the Olympics, their dedication to singles reflects the ambitions of two athletes determined to make their mark on the sport. As the 2024 season continues, Pegula and Gauff’s journey in singles will be a storyline to watch, showcasing their resilience and drive to excel at the highest levels of competition.