In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, where partnerships can define careers, the dynamic between Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula has long been a beacon of American excellence. The duo, once hailed as the “American Dream Team,” captivated fans with their synergy on the doubles court, clinching five titles and reaching the pinnacle of the WTA doubles rankings. However, after their final appearance together at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gauff and Pegula decided to part ways as doubles partners, choosing to prioritize their flourishing singles careers. As Gauff prepares for the Madrid Open final in 2025, she has opened up about how their relationship has evolved, revealing a bond that remains unbroken despite their professional divergence.
The decision to end their doubles partnership was not taken lightly. Both players, ranked among the top four in the WTA singles rankings, faced the grueling reality of a demanding tour schedule. Pegula, now 31, explained the reasoning behind the split in a press conference at the Stuttgart Open earlier this year. “Coco and I played so much for a couple years there. We did great. A lot of really amazing results and memories,” she said. “At the same time, doing well in the singles court, we obviously didn’t want to play as much anymore. The schedule just gets really, really tough.” This sentiment was echoed by Gauff, who, at just 21, is navigating the pressures of being one of tennis’s brightest stars. The physical and mental toll of competing in both singles and doubles week after week became unsustainable, especially after their Olympic campaign ended without a medal.
Despite the end of their on-court collaboration, Gauff has been quick to dispel any rumors of tension. In a candid and lighthearted moment during a press conference at the Madrid Open, she addressed their current dynamic with a smile. “Jess and I, we’re cool. I don’t know if y’all saw that,” she quipped, putting to rest any speculation of a rift. Gauff emphasized that their friendship remains strong, built on mutual respect and shared experiences. “All the people I played doubles with in the past are cool. It’s just… we’re both playing less doubles now,” she added. This clarity underscores the maturity with which both players have handled their transition, focusing on individual goals while preserving their off-court rapport.
Gauff’s recent performance at the Madrid Open, where she reached her first WTA final of 2025, highlights her adaptability and growth. Her doubles stint in Madrid with fellow American Taylor Townsend was a nod to her love for the format, even if it’s no longer a priority. “I definitely won’t be playing a full [doubles] schedule… but every now and then, I think it’s good. It brings me joy, and that translates into my singles,” Gauff noted. Meanwhile, Pegula has also found success, partnering with players like Desirae Krawczyk and Asia Muhammad, reaching the Wuhan Open doubles final in 2024. Her focus on singles has paid dividends, with titles at the ATX Open and Charleston Open in 2025, propelling her back to a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
The split has allowed both Gauff and Pegula to redefine their careers. Gauff’s stunning semifinal victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in Madrid showcased her evolution on clay, a surface that once challenged her. Pegula, meanwhile, has been a consistent force, challenging for the world No. 2 spot and reaching her first Grand Slam final at the 2024 US Open. Their mutual decision to scale back doubles reflects a strategic choice to chase individual glory, yet their shared history—marked by three WTA 1000 titles and a French Open final in 2022—remains a cherished chapter.
As Gauff prepares to face Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final, and Pegula continues her campaign in Stuttgart, their paths may no longer converge on the doubles court, but their friendship endures. The respect and camaraderie they built through years of triumphs and challenges continue to shine, proving that some bonds in tennis are stronger than the game itself.
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