Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3 and one of America’s tennis elite, has candidly addressed the end of her celebrated doubles partnership with Coco Gauff, a decision that has sent ripples through the tennis world. The duo, once a formidable force on the WTA doubles circuit, parted ways after the 2024 Paris Olympics, choosing to prioritize their singles careers over their shared success. Pegula’s reflections reveal the emotional weight of the split, the grueling demands of the tour, and her plans to scale back doubles commitments, offering fans a glimpse into the tough choices top athletes face.
Pegula and Gauff’s partnership was a powerhouse. Since teaming up in 2021, they clinched five WTA titles, including three prestigious WTA 1000 events in Doha, Toronto, and Miami. They reached the 2022 French Open final and both ascended to the No. 1 spot in the doubles rankings, a testament to their synergy. “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 nostalgia tinged with acceptance of their diverging paths. Their run, however, culminated in disappointment at the Olympics, where they fell in the second round to Czech pair Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova. The loss, coupled with the physical toll of a packed schedule, prompted both to reassess their priorities.
The decision to split was driven by the relentless demands of professional tennis. Pegula, now 31, explained that the grueling tour schedule made balancing singles and doubles increasingly unsustainable. “At the same time, doing well in the singles court, we obviously didn’t want to play as much anymore,” she noted, highlighting the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with competing in both disciplines. Her recent experience at the Miami Open, where she retired mid-match in doubles after a taxing singles clash, underscored the issue. “In Miami, it was kind of unfortunate to play a long match, then have to play doubles. I wasn’t feeling physically fit and had to retire in that match,” she admitted. The scheduling conflicts, particularly during high-stakes tournaments, proved a breaking point.
Gauff, at 21, echoed Pegula’s sentiments, signaling her own shift toward singles. “No, I’m not going to be playing doubles,” she declared earlier in 2024, citing the need to conserve energy after deep runs in singles tournaments. Her goal was to peak for the Olympics, but with that chapter closed, she’s opted to focus on her solo career, where she holds a career-high No. 2 ranking. Gauff’s doubles success with Katerina Siniakova at the 2024 French Open, where they won the title during Pegula’s injury layoff, further highlighted her ability to thrive with other partners, perhaps easing the transition away from their partnership.
Pegula’s 2025 season reflects her pivot to singles. Fresh off a title in Charleston and a final at the Miami Open, she’s riding a five-match winning streak as she competes at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. In doubles, she’s paired with compatriot Desirae Krawczyk, a close friend, but her commitment is selective. “This week I’m playing with Desirae Krawczyk, who is a really good friend of mine. Hopefully we can do well this week,” she said, emphasizing a lighter approach. Pegula has ruled out doubles at the upcoming Grand Slams, stating, “I don’t think I’m going to play any of the Grand Slams just because the scheduling, it gets really hard.” Her focus is clear: chasing a maiden Grand Slam singles title, having reached the 2024 US Open final.
The split, while pragmatic, carries emotional weight. Pegula and Gauff’s chemistry was undeniable, fueled by their shared American roots and off-court friendship. Their Olympic dream, which Pegula described as a major motivator, didn’t yield a medal, but their legacy includes iconic moments like their 2022 Qatar Open triumph over top seeds. Fans have expressed mixed feelings, with some lamenting the end of a dynamic duo, while others support their focus on individual glory. Pegula’s candor about the decision reflects her maturity, acknowledging that “the schedule just gets really, really tough.”
Looking ahead, Pegula remains optimistic about her doubles future, albeit on a reduced scale. Her partnership with Krawczyk in Stuttgart, where they face Liudmila Samsonova and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, is a chance to enjoy the format without the pressure of a full-time commitment. Gauff, meanwhile, has not entered doubles events in 2025, signaling a longer pause. Their split marks the end of an era, but Pegula’s resilience and Gauff’s youth suggest both have much to achieve. As Pegula navigates the clay season, with eyes on overtaking Iga Swiatek for the No. 2 ranking, her story is one of balance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of greatness.