"It's paying off, all my hard work and all the matches I've played this year" - Pegula on qualifying for both singles and doubles at the WTA Finals

For the moment, Jessica Pegula is officially the best multi-tasker among players on the Hologic WTA Tour.

When she and Coco Gauff defeated Sofia Kenin and Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 7-6 (3) on Thursday night at the San Diego Open, an unusual double was achieved. Pegula has now qualified for this month’s WTA Finals in Fort Worth in both singles and doubles.

“Yeah,” Pegula said afterward, “it’s awesome. I think that was a goal for both of us, to qualify for singles and doubles. So I’m glad we’re able to say that and achieve that goal. I’m really happy.”

Gauff might soon join Pegula in both disciplines in Fort Worth. She’s currently No.4 in the Race to the WTA Finals standings for singles and can guarantee a spot by reaching the finals in San Diego. It’s a steep path; Gauff would have to beat World No.1 Iga Swiatek in Friday’s quarterfinals -- and either Madison Keys or Pegula in the semifinals. Gauff could also get in based on results from other players.

"It’s a huge achievement for me in both singles and doubles,” Pegula said. “And to do it with another American is really cool. I’m just super-happy. It’s paying off, all my hard work and all the matches I’ve played this year. It’s been a long year, and it’s just a great reward.”

Thursday’s doubles win was Pegula’s 90th match of the season. She’s now 35-16 in singles and 29-10 in doubles. She’s played nine events with Gauff (18-6), winning doubles titles in Doha and Toronto and reaching the finals at Roland Garros. Pegula has also played doubles with four other players. Pegula and Erin Routliffe won the title this summer at the Citi Open in Washington D.C.