Call it alteration or adaption, Coco Gauff has seemingly set foot in both camps. That’s Jessica Pegula‘s verdict, just in case Gauff’s growth had gone unnoticed by the tennis world. So much so that Pegula decided to join forces with the World No. 2 for several doubles contests. Naturally, Gauff’s nascent journey could not have been voiced perfectly other than by her teammate and friend Pegula.

The 20-year-old took the tennis world by storm last year. She scripted a historic record at the Arthur Ashe Stadium by becoming the second-youngest American woman (aged 19) to lift the US Open crown since Serena Williams’ 1999 triumph. Gauff’s growth has garnered a lot of attention, with compatriot Pegula also voicing her thoughts on her journey as an athlete.

Ahead of her defense run at the Canadian Open, Pegula sat down for a pre-tournament presser where she was asked to address her insight into Gauff’s growth. The 30-year-old outlined that the reigning Flushing Meadows champion has come a long way. Further, the former No. 3 cited that the young talent does not hold back and rightfully issues a claim on whatever she requires.

“I think she’s grown up a lot and matured over the last few years. I think now she’s much more sure of herself and kind of knows what she wants. Also, she’s hitting that age where you’re learning all that stuff, trying to figure out what you want.” Pegula further said, “She’s not afraid to speak her mind and be very open and direct with what she feels like she needs.”

For the unversed, Pegula and Gauff recently paired for a maiden doubles Olympics appearance in Paris. Despite producing promising results and previously bagging the 2023 Miami Open, being the first all-American duo in 22 years to do so, their dream run at the quadrennial event went south.

They were downed by Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova in the second round. While fans expected more team-ups from the pair on the WTA, they have seemingly put an end to their partnership for now.

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff will not be sharing the court at the Canadian Open

Enduring a disappointing end to their Paris Olympics doubles campaign hasn’t done favors for Pegula and Gauff. According to the updated players’ schedule at WTA Toronto, the duo will not be partnering up for another exciting team-up at the event. Although the 30-year-old is up for double duty at the hardcourt tournament, her doubles campaign will house a dissimilar partner.

Notably, the American has paired with Giuliana Olmos for her doubles opener on Wednesday, August 7. Moreover, by the looks of it, Gauff has shifted her focus to the event’s singles column. She isn’t furnishing herself with a doubles participation. This means the duo could likely face each other in the upcoming rounds, as they did in the 2023 QF.

While there’s a possibility that the 20-year-old’s doubles non-attendance could help unleash her full potential at the US Open, her decision to not partner with Pegula raises some concerns. Hopefully, if the duo manages to resolve their issues, if any, they could be witnessed in action together soon!