Italian Open 2024: Jessica Pegula’s Unfortunate Exit Prompts Partner Coco Gauff to Pick Aussie WTA Star as Doubles Partner

Having an ideal doubles partner is as crucial as a skillful solo play. Jessica Pegula’s withdrawal from the Italian Open has created a wave of uncertainty about who would be Coco Gauff’s new partner. Well, the wait is over. Owing to a recent announcement, Coco Gauff is all set to make her debut with a new New Zealand doubles partner this season!

After skipping the Madrid Open and Stuttgart Open, Jessica Pegula withdrew from the Italian Open due to persistent injuries. And this led Coco Gauff to partner with none other than Erin Routliffe, according to reports. This is the first time that Gauff will be playing with Routliffe. Apart from Jessica Pegula, Gauff has previously played with a few doubles partners over the years.

Among them, one with whom she recently found a bit of success was Taylor Townsend at the Madrid Open. However, apart from her, Gauff has also previously played with Caty McNally as well. But among all of them, she achieved her best doubles career title with Jessica Pegula.

Together, they have won 5 WTA titles! Not only that, the duo has also reached a Grand Slam final and achieved a ranking of number one and number 2 in the doubles ranking. However, this time it will be Routliffe. And not to forget her achievements in the doubles category as well. Because she already reached the career-high doubles ranking of world number 5 just about 2 months ago.

Although Routliffe’s performance in the Madrid Open doubles match with Ashlyn Krueger did not yield good results, it will be interesting to see how it goes with her partnering with Coco Gauff. But does the young American aim to keep on playing doubles?

Coco Gauff has not had much luck playing doubles this year. Although she reached the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells with Pegula at the start of the season, the Miami Open then turned out to be a bust. Gauff revealed later, “I do see myself playing in the Slams the majority of the time in doubles.” However, there is a twist. The 20-year-old, who is vying for an Olympic gold medal this year, further stated, “I will say next year I do want to play a little bit less doubles. Maybe after the Olympics.”

But she admitted that it would be a hard decision, especially after she had found her rhythm with her partner, Pegula. However, right now, the main focus is on the Rome Open. And as her new partnership with Routliffe unfolds, it will be interesting to watch her perform with some fresh energy on-court.