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The countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is still a few years away, but the topic has already sparked a lighthearted yet determined exchange between American tennis stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. While Pegula has openly discussed her possible retirement plans, Gauff made it clear she’s not ready to see her compatriot hang up the racket just yet.
Jessica Pegula’s uncertainty about playing until 2028
Pegula has had a remarkable career so far, currently standing among the world’s top players. However, during a recent conversation, she hinted that she might only have a couple more years left on tour. That comment didn’t sit well with her friend and doubles partner, Coco Gauff, who immediately challenged her thinking.
“I think I was talking to Coco and she was like you can play until LA,” Jessica Pegula said. “She was mad at me because I was like maybe a couple more years, and she was like if you’re going to play two more years you might as well play another year for the LA Olympics.”
Coco Gauff’s playful yet persuasive pitch
Coco Gauff, who would still be in her early twenties when the LA Olympics come around, told Pegula she couldn’t possibly retire before representing their country on home soil. “She was like you can’t retire before then! This was like a year before, and I was like four years, that’s a long time. I will be 34. What are you talking about?” Jessica Pegula recalled.
The 21-year-old prodigy even offered a dose of competitive encouragement: “She was like you can just stay top 20, with the way you hit the ball you will be fine. I am not letting you retire before the LA Olympics, especially if I’m qualified!”
Balancing career, life goals, and admiration for others
Pegula responded with her own perspective, explaining the personal factors influencing her career decisions, including her wish to have children without making a comeback afterward.
“I definitely don’t want to have kids and then come back. I think when I have a kid, I’m done. I admire the women that do that, but that is just not [for me].”
She also gave credit to tennis champions like Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova, Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, and Belinda Bencic, who have successfully returned to competition after motherhood, calling them an inspiration.
With four years still to go until LA 2028, Coco Gauff’s playful persistence might just influence Jessica Pegula’s decision. One thing’s for certain—American fans would love nothing more than to see both players competing for gold on home soil.
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