Jessica Pegula opens up on decision to stop playing doubles alongside Coco Gauff

The fan-favorite doubles team of Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff seems to have come to an end, as Pegula revealed she is unlikely to partner with her compatriot again this season.

The Americans have won five titles together, and have both reached the World No.1 ranking in doubles. However, they suffered a shock second round loss at the Paris Olympic Games, after playing only six tournaments together this year as Pegula was sidelined by injury.

The 30-year old found a temporary partner for last week's Canadian Open, teaming with Giuliana Olmos. However, the newly-formed team fell in the quarterfinals, although Pegula would go on to successfully defend her singles title.

Following her victory, Pegula stated she was uncertain if she and Gauff would ever team up again this season. The former World No.3 added she would use the opportunity to focus on her singles game, with the US Open coming up in a few weeks.

“For me, I'm not sure." said Pegula. "I know Coco doesn't really, isn't interested in playing, or at least I'm not, we're not thinking of playing, so I probably will take it easy on the doubles the rest of the year, so, yeah, we'll see.
“I think I'll just play maybe whenever I kind of want to,” she laughed. “And maybe just focus on singles the rest of the year."

Conversely, Gauff did not compete in the doubles event at the Canadian Open. The reigning US Open champion stated she did not plan on playing any doubles in the foreseeable future.

"No, I'm not going to be playing doubles,” the 20-year-old said in Canada. “I just, the goal was to try to get as good as possible for the Olympics and then, yeah. Every week, week-in and week-out, I'm making the end of the week, if I'm playing singles and doubles usually I'm there at the semis at least in one event.
"Yeah, it's just tough to go week-in and week-out on tour, so that's the reason why. But maybe next year I'll play here and there. I won't be playing doubles as consistently as I have been in the past."