Coco Gauff opens up on shifting dynamics with Jessica Pegula after ending their doubles partnership

World No. 4 Coco Gauff is riding high after reaching her first WTA final of 2025 at the Madrid Open, but off the court, the 21-year-old is navigating a quieter, more personal milestone: adjusting to life without her longtime doubles partner, Jessica Pegula. The duo, once dubbed the “American Dream Team,” parted ways after the Stuttgart Open earlier this year, with Pegula citing scheduling conflicts and fatigue.

Now, as Gauff prepares to face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for the Madrid crown, she’s opened up about how her bond with Pegula has evolved—and why their split hasn’t dimmed their friendship.

Coco Gauff’s candid take on life after the Jessica Pegula partnership

In a lighthearted yet revealing press conference at the Madrid Open, Gauff addressed the elephant in the room: her dynamic with Pegula post-split.

“Jess and I, we’re cool. Well, she invited me to go to movies, but she didn’t follow-up on that (laughing). I don’t know if y’all saw that,” Gauff quipped, dispelling rumors of tension. While their on-court collaboration has paused, their off-court rapport remains intact. “All the people I played doubles with in the past are cool. It’s just… we’re both playing less doubles now.”

Why the split happened

The decision to step back from doubles wasn’t personal. Both players, ranked as the top two American singles stars, are prioritizing individual glory. Jessica Pegula, 31, has scaled back her doubles commitments to focus on her singles resurgence, while Coco Gauff admitted she’s being selective:

“I definitely won’t be playing a full [doubles] schedule… but every now and then, I think it’s good. It brings me joy, and that translates into my singles.”

A new chapter for Gauff

Gauff’s Madrid run—which included a doubles stint with fellow American Taylor Townsend—highlights her adaptability. Though she and Pegula haven’t ruled out reuniting, Gauff emphasized there’s no timeline: “It depends on how I feel. Maybe in Rome?” For now, her sights are set on singles dominance.

Clay-court resurgence: Gauff’s Madrid masterclass

While navigating her evolving partnership with Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff has quietly rewritten another narrative: her rivalry with Iga Swiatek. The American’s straight-sets demolition of the World No. 2 in the Madrid semifinals marked her third consecutive win over the Pole across all surfaces—a stunning turnaround after years of clay-court struggles.

From underdog to alpha

Gauff’s previous encounters with Swiatek on clay were one-sided, but Madrid showcased her growth. Aggressive net play, tactical maturity, and unshakable focus neutralized Swiatek’s signature topspin game, propelling Gauff into a final where she’ll face another titan: Aryna Sabalenka.

Balancing acts and bigger goals

Coco Gauff’s ability to juggle singles ambition with doubles nostalgia speaks to her maturity. Though she and Jessica Pegula haven’t shared a court since the 2024 Paris Olympics, their mutual respect endures.

“Jess is playing less doubles too… we’re both chasing the same things,” Gauff reflected.

Aryna Sabalenka showdown: The ultimate test

Standing between Gauff and the Madrid title is Sabalenka, a player known for her thunderous serves and relentless power. While Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 4-2, Gauff’s recent form—and newfound mental resilience—could tilt the scales.

Win or lose in Madrid, Gauff’s 2025 season is already a testament to her evolution. From mending off-court bonds to toppling rivals, she’s proving that growth isn’t just about trophies—it’s about mastering the game, both inside and out.