“I want to win regardless of who is on the other side of the court” : Coco Gauff reveals whether playing against close friend Jessica Pegula impacts her performance
Coco Gauff was defeated in the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open by Jessica Pegula.
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Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula (Source: Twitter)
Coco Gauff went down fighting to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Canadian Open. The two players competed in a close three-set contest, with the fourth seed eventually holding her nerve in the final set. The duo are close friends on the tour, and are also Doubles partners.
Coco Gauff revealed whether her close relationship with Jessica Pegula impacts her performance against her. The youngster stated that she wants to win her matches regardless of who is she up against. The 2022 French Open runner-up believes that tennis players are often pitted against their close friends on the tour, and it ideally does not affect their mindset.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have formed a formidable Doubles pairing. The duo are the top seeds at the 2023 Canadian Open, and are the firm favorites to win the title. “It doesn’t feel as much as people make it out to be. Jess & I have more of a public friendship bc we’re playing doubles a lot, but I’m friends with a lot of girls on tour, so it’s quite the same thing,” said Gauff.
Coco Gauff faces tough quarterfinal exit at the 2023 Canadian Open
Coco Gauff revealed that playing against Jessica Pegula is challenging, given that the two are quite familiar with each other’s playing styles. However, she stated that does not change her mindset, and her sole target is to beat her opponent.
“Obviously, we’re playing doubles, I guess our friendship is more of a big thing, but you’ll be surprised how often we play people that we’re close to on tour. Playing her is difficult, but I don’t think me being friends with her makes it more difficult. I think that’s just my mindset. I want to win regardless who is on the other side of the court,” said Gauff.
Coco Gauff came into the Canadian Open on the back of an impressive week at the Citi Open. She claimed the title, after defeating Maria Sakkari in straight sets in the final. The American won the title, without dropping a single set throughout the week. She will now compete at the Cincinnati Open, before the all-important US Open.
Gauff has had topsy-turvy performances this season, as her triumph at the Citi Open last week was just her second title of the season. She faced a surprising first-round defeat at 2023 Wimbledon, where she lost to Sofia Kenin in three sets.
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)