In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, where partnerships can define careers, Jessica Pegula recently shared her heartfelt reasoning behind a significant decision: parting ways with her doubles partner, Coco Gauff. The American duo, both titans in their own right, had forged a formidable alliance on the doubles court, clinching five titles and achieving the coveted world No. 1 ranking in doubles. However, their journey together came to an end after the 2024 Olympics, a choice Pegula described as “really tough” during a candid moment at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.
Pegula, currently ranked No. 3 in singles, opened up about the emotional weight of this decision, emphasizing the demanding nature of the WTA tour as a key factor. “Coco and I played a lot together for a couple of years, we did great, had many good results, and really incredible memories,” she said, her words laced with nostalgia. The grueling schedule, which often sees players competing week after week across continents, left little room for the additional commitment of doubles. For Pegula and Gauff, both of whom have soared to the upper echelons of singles rankings—Pegula at No. 3 and Gauff at No. 4—their individual successes demanded a sharper focus. The decision, though pragmatic, was not made lightly, as it meant stepping away from a partnership that had brought them both joy and triumph.
The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, both on and off the court. Their friendship, marked by playful banter and mutual respect, often spilled into the public eye, delighting fans. One memorable moment came at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, where Gauff jokingly called Pegula “fake” for ignoring a movie invitation, a lighthearted exchange that underscored their close bond. Yet, as Pegula explained, the realities of their singles careers took precedence. “Our singles success impacted our desire to compete in doubles,” she noted, highlighting the physical and mental toll of juggling both formats. The relentless pace of the tour, coupled with the need to prioritize recovery and preparation for singles matches, made continuing their doubles partnership unsustainable.
Pegula’s transition away from doubles with Gauff hasn’t meant a complete departure from the format. She has continued to compete in doubles with new partners, including countrywoman Desirae Krawczyk at the Stuttgart event. However, her focus has shifted significantly, with plans to scale back her doubles schedule to preserve energy for singles, where she’s chasing her first Grand Slam title. This strategic pivot comes on the heels of a stellar 2025 season, where Pegula claimed her maiden clay-court title at the Charleston Open and reached the Miami Open final, amassing an impressive 25-6 record. Her recent performances have solidified her status as the highest-ranked American woman, a title she reclaimed from Gauff after her Charleston triumph.
Meanwhile, Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, is also navigating her clay-court campaign in Stuttgart, aiming to rebound from a mixed start to the year. Her sole title in 2025 came at the United Cup, and she’s hungry for her 10th career singles title. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, with its star-studded field featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, offers both players a chance to make a statement on clay ahead of the French Open. For Pegula, the tournament is a fresh opportunity, as she missed last year’s clay season due to injury, giving her a “free hit” with no points to defend.
The end of Pegula and Gauff’s doubles partnership marks the close of a chapter, but their mutual respect endures. Pegula’s reflections reveal a player balancing ambition with pragmatism, cherishing past memories while eyeing future glory. As she put it, “Just because I haven’t won a Slam doesn’t mean I’m not having a successful career.” For both Pegula and Gauff, the clay courts of Stuttgart are just the beginning of a season filled with promise, where their individual paths continue to inspire.