With the US Open fast approaching, top players have begun their preparations for the last Grand Slam tournament of the season. Defending champion, Coco Gauff, has already reached New York and sweated it out during a training session at Flushing Meadows. Despite being one of the favorites to win the title this year, Gauff has seen a dip in form of late. She has failed to win a singles title since her victory in the ASB Classic earlier this year. Now, the American legend, Chris Evert, pointed out Gauff’s adamant mistake that put her at a disadvantage over Iga Swiatek.

World Number 1, Swiatek, is another top contender for the US Open title. Although she has lost her winning touch after clinching the French Open title this year, the Polish sensation is known to rise on big occasions, and what better time to do it than the US Open? Comparing Swiatek and Gauff, Evert felt that Gauff’s dual responsibility of playing in singles and doubles might not work in her favor.

Ahead of the US Open, Chris Evert gave a preview of the tournament along with John McEnroe where she explained why Swiatek had a better chance than Gauff to win the US Open title. She said, “Iga’s very disciplined. She’s very organized. She’s very serious about her game. She’s very mature. I see that she’s going to be all business. The other thing when I look at Coco, I forgot to mention, she plays doubles every single tournament. This girl plays more than anybody, Coco Gauff.”

Interestingly, Gauff played doubles at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships and even went on to win the latter. However, she suffered shocking defeats at the Olympic Games, where she played all three events, singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Subsequently, her regular doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, called an end to their partnership.

Why did Jessica Pegula end her doubles partnership with Coco Gauff?

Pegula and Gauff were the top favorites to clinch the gold medal at the Olympic Games. However, the duo suffered a shocking second-round defeat there, which ended their hopes of glory in Paris. Further, in order to focus on her singles commitments, Gauff revealed that she would play doubles only at the major tournaments. Pegula also echoed the same thoughts as she insisted she would go easy on doubles for the remaining part of the season.

Announcing an end to their stint together, Pegula said, “I know Coco doesn’t really…..isn’t interested in playing, or at least I’m not, we’re not thinking of playing, so I probably will take it easy on the doubles the rest of the year, so, yeah, we’ll see.”

While Gauff didn’t feature in the doubles competition at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, Pegula played that format with Giuliana Olmos in Toronto. It remains to be seen with whom Pegula and Coco Gauff pair up for the upcoming US Open later this month.