Is there no Christmas break? Coco Gauff and tennis’ biggest American stars are bringing World Team Tennis back

Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 21:55

Gauff cups her hands to her ears and gestures to the crowd.

World Team Tennis is returning after a four-year absence, with Coco Gauff among the biggest names confirmed for the revived mixed-gender competition. The world No. 4 has joined the Florida Flamingos Racquet Club as both a player and owner, making her one of the leading figures in the league's comeback.

The upcoming season will be the first edition of World Team Tennis since 2021, when the competition was forced to shut down amid complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The league is now coming back with a mix of established ATP and WTA players, including Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Leylah Fernandez, Victoria Mboko and Denis Shapovalov.

Gauff will play for the Florida Flamingos alongside Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Iva Jovic and Eva Lys. The franchise is also bringing back one of the original teams from the league's inaugural 1974 season, when World Team Tennis was founded as a mixed-gender professional competition by Billie Jean King and others.

The American will also get the chance to play close to home. The Flamingos will host their matches at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, with Gauff set to play against Toronto North on December 14 and the New York Empire on December 15. That means she could face Mboko and Pegula in her two home appearances.

Gauff joins a new generation for World Team Tennis

The return of World Team Tennis brings together a mix of established stars and younger players, staying true to the league's original idea of putting men and women on the same teams and having them compete together.

Each match will feature four singles sets followed by a mixed doubles Supertiebreaker, giving players a format that is very different from the individual competition they face week after week on the ATP and WTA Tours.

Coco Gauff raises her arms after defeating Mirra Andreeva in the US Open quarterfinals.

Coco Gauff of USA celebrates her quarter-final victory against Mirra Andreeva of Russia during day 11 of the 2026 US Open

For Gauff, the team aspect was one of the main reasons she wanted to take part.

“Growing the sport through team competition and making it more accessible are two things I love, and WTT does both,” said Gauff. “I’m looking forward to playing at home in front of my family and friends in South Florida."

"It’s not often, as a tennis player, that we get to compete as part of a team, so I’m excited for the new experience, not only for myself but, even more importantly, for the fans.”

The 22-year-old will also have a role beyond the court after joining the Florida Flamingos ownership group. Her involvement adds one of the highest-ranked players in the world to a league trying to build a new chapter after four years away.

The Flamingos are not the only team bringing in big names. Pegula will represent the New York Empire, while Fritz, Tiafoe, Fernandez, Mboko and Shapovalov are among the other players confirmed for the returning competition.

From Billie Jean King to a new WTT era

World Team Tennis was founded in 1974 and has featured some of the biggest names in tennis over the decades. Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi and Serena Williams are among the legends who have played in the league.

The Florida Flamingos are also reviving one of the competition's original franchises, with the team set to wear pink and deep burgundy during the new season.

For Gauff, the return of World Team Tennis also gives her another opportunity to stay connected to the South Florida community where she grew up. The American partnered with the USTA to refurbish the Pompey Park tennis courts in 2024, launched the Coco Delray shoe collaboration with New Balance in 2025 and has continued her community work through the Coco Gauff Foundation.

Read also

Gauff arrives after reaching the US Open semi-finals, where she lost to eventual champion and world No. 1 Elena Rybakina. Her presence gives the revived league one of the leading players in the women's game, but the bigger question will be whether World Team Tennis can establish itself again after its last season in 2021.

With Gauff, Pegula, Fritz, Tiafoe, Fernandez, Mboko, Shapovalov and others already committed, the league will return with a mix of established stars, young talent and the team-based format that has defined World Team Tennis since its creation.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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