In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, where schedules are grueling and priorities shift, Jessica Pegula has opened up about her decision to part ways with Coco Gauff as a doubles partner. The American duo, once a formidable force on the doubles circuit, captivated fans with their chemistry and success, but their partnership has taken a backseat as both players focus on their singles careers. At a recent press conference during the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Pegula shared an emotional reflection on their time together, the reasons behind their split, and the faint possibility of a future reunion.
Pegula and Gauff forged a remarkable doubles partnership that saw them clinch five WTA titles, including three prestigious WTA 1000 events in Miami, Qatar, and Toronto. Their run to the 2022 French Open final marked a high point, and both players reached the pinnacle of the doubles rankings, with Gauff hitting No. 1 and Pegula peaking at No. 2. Their on-court synergy was matched by an off-court friendship, making them a fan-favorite pair. However, the demanding WTA schedule and their ambitions in singles led to a mutual decision to step back from doubles after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they suffered a disappointing second-round exit.
“Coco and I played so much for a couple of years there. We did great. A lot of really amazing results and memories,” Pegula said, her tone tinged with nostalgia. “At the same time, doing well in the singles court, we obviously didn’t want to play as much anymore.” The grueling nature of the professional tennis calendar, with its relentless travel and back-to-back tournaments, played a significant role in their choice. Pegula admitted that balancing both disciplines became increasingly challenging, especially as both players chased individual glory. “The schedule becomes very, very tough,” she explained, highlighting the physical and mental toll of competing in multiple events.
For Pegula, the shift in focus has paid dividends. The 31-year-old, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, reached the US Open final in 2024 and has secured titles at the ATX Open and Charleston Open in 2025. Her decision to prioritize singles has elevated her game, positioning her as a serious contender for a maiden Grand Slam title. Gauff, at just 20 years old and ranked No. 4, has also leaned into her singles career, aiming to build on her 2023 US Open triumph and her 2024 French Open doubles title with Katerina Siniakova. The Olympics, where they had hoped to medal as top seeds, proved to be a turning point, with their loss to Czech pair Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova prompting a reevaluation.
Despite their split, Pegula left the door slightly ajar for a potential reunion. When asked about playing doubles with Gauff again, perhaps at events like the Italian Open, she responded with a cautious optimism: “I think I’ll just play maybe whenever I kind of want to.” This lighthearted comment, delivered with a chuckle, suggests that while doubles is not a priority, the possibility of reuniting with Gauff remains alive, albeit unlikely in the immediate future. Pegula’s current focus is clear—she plans to limit her doubles appearances, especially at Grand Slams, to preserve her energy for singles. “I don’t think I will play any of the Grand Slams in doubles because the schedule is very tough,” she said candidly.
Gauff, for her part, has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her desire to hone her singles game after the Olympics. Her decision to skip doubles at tournaments like the 2024 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open reflects a strategic choice to chase bigger titles. Yet, their friendship remains strong, with Pegula praising Gauff’s maturity and growth. “She’s now much more sure of herself and knows what she wants,” Pegula noted last year, reflecting on Gauff’s evolution from a teenage prodigy to a seasoned champion.
As Pegula prepares to compete in Stuttgart, where she’s paired with Desirae Krawczyk in doubles, and Gauff eyes a strong clay season, fans are left to wonder if their paths will cross again on the doubles court. Their partnership, though paused, remains a cherished chapter in their careers, filled with triumphs and camaraderie. For now, both players are carving their own paths, but the tennis world holds out hope for a reunion that could reignite their electric chemistry.
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