Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula’s camaraderie has grown steadily on tour, and they’ve never hesitated to share it with the tennis world. While their respect for each other is clear, it’s the fun, lighthearted moments they often share that really highlight their connection.
Gauff and Pegula are currently competing at the 2025 Canadian Open, aiming to build solid momentum ahead of the US Open. Just before kicking off her campaign, the 21-year-old appeared in a playful video segment where she was asked which tennis player she would ‘couple up’ with.
Why Did Coco Gauff Say Jessica Pegula Keeps ‘Ditching’ Her?
The previous tournaments didn’t go well for the compatriots. While Gauff suffered a first-round exit at the Wimbledon Championships, Pegula last competed at the Citi DC Open and lost in the second round to Leylah Fernandez. While the World No. 2 opened her Canadian Open campaign with a win over Danielle Collins, Pegula is still awaiting her first-round clash with Maria Sakkari.
Before her second-round match, Gauff appeared in a WTA video and was asked several questions, including which tennis player from the past or present she would ‘couple up’ with. Gauff admitted that the 31-year-old often bails on her, especially after they make movie plans, but added that she still enjoys spending time with her overall.
“I am in a relationship, but actually, doubles partner I would couple up with Jessica Pegula. I have played with her and we had a good time. Even though she ditches me a lot, we are supposed to go to movies and stuff, she doesn’t ever respond to my text. But I believe, it’s second, third, fourth, fifth chances, so maybe the sixth time is a charm with her,” she said.
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In a lighthearted moment at the Berlin Open, Pegula forgot to mention Gauff when listing the players she’s closest to on tour.
The slip-up left her amusingly nervous about how the two-time Grand Slam champion might react.
When Gauff Playfully Revealed How Pegula Bailed on Their Movie Outing
Gauff has playfully brought up the same issue in past interviews as well. Speaking to Tennis Channel during the 2025 French Open, she mentioned that Pegula had once again ditched her after they made plans to watch a movie together.
“Jess ditched me, once again. She asked me. I’m putting her on the spot… hopefully she wins so she won’t be extra upset. She asked me if we could watch Thunderbolts together and I was like, ‘Yes.’ Then she went home between Madrid and Rome. I could have gone but I still waited,” Gauff said.
Gauff later revealed that Pegula watched the movie without her, even after they’d made plans. She learned about it from her physio, who was tipped off by Pegula’s.
Notably, Gauff and Pegula were once the world’s top-ranked doubles pair, winning five titles before parting ways after the 2024 Olympics.
