Coco Gauff’s French Open dreams were at stake when her doubles partner Jessica Pegula pulled out of the tournament due to her persistent injury. However, thankfully, the 20-year-old’s “last-minute decision” to collaborate with Katerina Siniakova has saved the day. Anyway, who is the Czech tennis pro, and how did she join hands with the American player?

Much like Coco Gauff (world No. 1 doubles player), Katerina Siniakova, who won doubles gold in the Olympics (2020), has also tasted success in the doubles category. Once ranked No. 1 in doubles, the 28-year-old player’s quick pace and utilizing various angles while doing so has indeed proved to be fruitful for her. Why? This is because Siniakova, who was born into an athletic family (father, Dimitrov, a former boxing player, and her daughter’s coach and younger brother, Daniel, a pro tennis player), is already a seven-time grand slam champion in WTA doubles. Partnering with the Czech player, Barbora Krejčíková, Siniakova’s performance peaked, and she produced exceptional results on-court.

Embracing the top spot for 115 weeks in doubles, Siniakova has achieved a marvelous number of titles (24) in this category of the WTA Tour. With her two-handed backhand approach, she is a force to be reckoned with, even in the singles as well. Although comparatively low, Katerina Siniakova, who once reached world number 31, has bagged five WTA singles titles to her name. Her prowess on-court further amazed the fans when she won against the then world No. 1, Naomi Osaka, in the French Open of 2019 in the third round.

Right now, the former junior world No. 2’s current focus is on the French Open tournament. Although Coco Gauff and Katerina Siniakova have already surpassed the first round in Paris, their second-round clash is scheduled to start soon today. But one question still remains. When did their partnership begin? Coco Gauff’s latest post-match conference in Paris revealed the answer. A reporter asked her, “How has the process been for you generally in  picking uh your partner like, what’s the kind of thought process”

Coco Gauff responded, “It was just last-minute decision.  I really I was trying to find like an American to play with because Jesse pulled out, and obviously the Olympics are going to be here. So my whole plan at the start of the year was to try to play with somebody I could potentially play with at the Olympics and um you know, that was kind of last-minute thrown out.”

She further explained how she approached her Madrid Open doubles partner, Taylor Townsend, and said, “I just wasn’t even going to play at first, and then Taylor Townsend unfortunately had a rolled her ankle and then um, she texted me about playing with Katerina, and um I was like yeah I’ll do it.” The American player also further explained her optimism about playing with Katerina Siniakova.

Coco Gauff reveals the “good chance” to achieve success at Roland Garros 

With Jessica Pegula sidelined due to injury, Coco Gauff’s hunt for a doubles partner has been going on since their last match in Miami. But she soon found success in the Madrid Open as she reached the quarterfinals with Townsend by her side. However, after Pegula’s withdrawal from the Italian Open, Gauff was again in the same position. But even then, after partnering with Erin Routliffe (a former world no. 3 doubles player), she reached the finals in Rome. Now, it is time to play with Kateřina Siniaková. But Coco Gauff remains hopeful of reaching even greater heights.

“She’s won multiple slams in the sport and we could have a good chance,” World No. 3 stated. However, she is cautious in her approach while her goal for the Olympics remains firm. “I’m not putting too much pressure on it. I wanted to play primarily just to get you know some clay prep for the Olympics.”

While both of them continue their journey at Roland Garros, the tennis world waits to see a new partnership flourish this season.