As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, a lighthearted yet revealing moment between American stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula has captured fans’ attention. During a candid interview at the Cincinnati Open, Pegula, the world No. 4, shared a humorous anecdote about her retirement plans and Gauff’s spirited insistence that she keep playing through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The exchange, laced with Gauff’s competitive fire and Pegula’s pragmatic charm, underscores the deep bond between the two players, who have forged a formidable doubles partnership. Pegula’s decision to join the star-studded mixed doubles event at the US Open—while Gauff opts out—adds a layer of intrigue to their dynamic as they prepare for Flushing Meadows.
The conversation, which took place on the *Tennis Insider Club* podcast hosted by Caroline Garcia and Borja Duran, began with Pegula reflecting on her career timeline. At 31, she’s contemplating retirement around age 35, a plan that didn’t sit well with her 21-year-old compatriot. “I think I was talking to Coco, and she was like, ‘You can play until LA!’” Pegula recounted, laughing. “She was mad at me because I was like, maybe a couple more years. She’s like, ‘If you’re going to play two more years, you might as well play another year for the LA Olympics.’” Gauff’s insistence continued, with Pegula recalling her friend’s confidence in her longevity: “She was like, ‘You can just stay top 20, with the way you hit the ball, you’ll be fine. I’m not letting you retire before the LA Olympics, especially if I’m qualified!’” The playful exchange highlights Gauff’s belief in Pegula’s enduring skill and their shared ambition to represent Team USA on home soil in 2028.
Pegula’s revelation comes amid her decision to compete in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event, scheduled for August 19-20, 2025, just before the singles main draw begins. The tournament, featuring 16 high-profile teams like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Pegula paired with Tommy Paul, has generated buzz for its innovative format—three sets with four games each, no-advantage scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak. Gauff, however, chose to skip the event, citing a packed schedule during US Open Fan Week. “For me, it was just because I know the free week of the US Open is already packed for me, for sponsor things,” Gauff explained at a Cincinnati press conference. “And I’m very competitive; if I were to lose, I would not be happy. So, I didn’t want to waste mental energy on that.” The tight turnaround from the Cincinnati Open final on August 18 to the mixed doubles start added logistical challenges, as Gauff noted: “Then on top of the sponsor stuff, the pre-week, and then knowing that this finished on Monday and potentially having to play on Tuesday… I just knew it wasn’t going to work out for me, scheduling-wise.”
Gauff’s absence from the mixed doubles hasn’t dimmed her focus on singles, where she’s a two-time Grand Slam champion (2023 US Open, 2025 French Open) and the world No. 2. Her Cincinnati campaign, where she advanced to the round of 16 after a 6-3, 6-2 win over Wang Xinyu and a walkover from Dayana Yastremska, reflects her strategic approach to conserving energy for the US Open. Pegula, meanwhile, is balancing singles and mixed doubles, having defeated Kimberly Birrell 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round in Cincinnati, where she’ll face Magda Linette. Her 3-0 head-to-head lead over Linette and her recent doubles success with Gauff, including the 2024 Canadian Open title, position her as a formidable contender.
The Gauff-Pegula partnership has been a cornerstone of American tennis, with three WTA 1000 doubles titles, including back-to-back wins at the Canadian Open. Their chemistry was evident at the 2024 Paris Olympics, though they fell in the second round of women’s doubles. Pegula’s commitment to mixed doubles at the US Open, while Gauff prioritizes singles, highlights their differing approaches to a grueling season. Yet, Gauff’s playful push for Pegula to extend her career reveals a camaraderie that transcends competition. “This was like a year before, so I was like, ‘Four years, Coco, that’s a long time. I’m gonna be 34, what are you talking about?’” Pegula said, mimicking her own exasperation. Gauff’s response—insisting Pegula could “stay top 20” with her ball-striking—reflects the younger star’s admiration for her mentor.
The US Open mixed doubles event, with its star-studded lineup and condensed format, has sparked debate. Some players, like reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, have criticized the reduced 16-team draw and reliance on singles rankings for entry, arguing it sidelines doubles specialists. Gauff acknowledged the tension: “I’m not a mixed doubles player. Some rely on that income. On the other hand, they’re trying to get more singles players involved, maybe grow the sport.” Her decision to sit out, while strategic, underscores the delicate balance elite players navigate between opportunity and overload.
As Pegula prepares to team up with Paul and Gauff hones her singles game, their lighthearted exchange about the 2028 Olympics offers a glimpse into a friendship that fuels their success. Pegula’s Cincinnati performance and Gauff’s laser focus signal their readiness for Flushing Meadows, where both aim to add to their legacies. With Gauff’s competitive fire and Pegula’s steady resolve, American tennis fans have plenty to cheer for—whether it’s on the singles court or in the playful banter that keeps their bond strong.
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