Jessica Pegula confirms split with Coco Gauff as doubles partner at the start of the US Open series

Pegula explained the rationale behind their parting ways with her doubles partner, Coco Gauff, during a pre-tournament conference.

Jessica Pegula confirms split with Coco Gauff as doubles partner at the start of the US Open series

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff (Credits: French Open / WTA tour)

On the eve of the Citi Open in Washington, World No. 3 doubles player Jessica Pegula announced a mutual decision with doubles partner Coco Gauff to not team up for the doubles event at the Citi Open.

Pegula and Gauff have been a successful duo on the doubles circuit, securing five WTA titles together. They also reached the finals of the doubles event at the French Open in 2022. By virtue of their title wins, they have also attained rankings in the top 10 in doubles. 

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Pegula peaked at the No. 2 spot, while Gauff climbed to the top, becoming the World No. 1 doubles player almost a year ago. Despite their achievements, doubles still hold secondary status before their singles careers.

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During a pre-tournament press conference, Pegula explained the rationale behind their decision to focus on singles. 

Yeah, I think we kind of made that decision just knowing the weather here, the heat, and doubling up in a short week before Montreal is really tough. Last year it was a struggle to get to Toronto and whatever. We just thought it would be easier this week. But yeah, I think, so for me I'm just, I don't know, I'm just working on everything that I usually work on, trying to get back into match play. I've had a few weeks off.
Pegula said during pre tournament press conference

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff prioritize their singles careers

Although Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are skipping doubles, they are fully committed to the singles competition at the Citi Open.

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff
Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff (Credits: French Open)

Interestingly enough, Pegula and the Citi open go way back. The American had won her first WTA title here back in 2019. She also acknowledges that, given her high ranking, the expectations surrounding her have changed significantly since then.

Speaking of her approach to singles matches and tournaments, Pegula said she pays little attention to individual match results, reasoning that anyone can have a bad day. She explained that she focuses more on little improvement done within her game, tournament by tournament. 

Just see that I'm working on things in matches and that it's improving. Of course, again, you always want to go in and thinking you're going to win the tournament, but also for me, it's important to see that I'm improving on little things and things are getting better and I'm able to think my way and work my way through matches and have a really good attitude, especially this week.
continuing further, Pegula added

Given her special bond with the tournament at Washington, she reiterates that her main focus is on making improvements to her game wherever possible and performing at her best.

The two players are multi-talented, ranking in the top 10 in both the singles and doubles disciplines. It remains to be seen how their calculated decision to focus on singles at Washington affects their runs this tournament.

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