‘It Wasn’t Me’- Coco Gauff Clears the Air on Shock Announcement Following Loss to Jessica Pegula at the Canadian Open

The six-match winning streak by Coco Gauff finally comes to an end following a tough loss to Jessica Pegula. The streak included four matches on her way to the Washington title and two in the ongoing Canadian Open. It required a monumental effort from Pegula to stop the teenager’s purple patch, but the experience came through in tight moments. However, this long battle was also followed by a withdrawal.

Gauff and Pegula may have been rivals on-court today, but they share one of the best bonds on the tour. The American duo forms a solid doubles pair and were competing in Montreal as the defending champions. But after competing as rivals in singles, the pair pulled out of their doubles encounter in a surprising move.

Why did Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula pull out of doubles?

It was an intense battle between the two friends on a warm Montreal afternoon. After 2 hours and 21 minutes of battle, Pegula registered a 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 win over the 19-year-old. Despite being ranked below her partner, Gauff was the favorite for the tie given her form, and she looked upset after the defeat. In the post-match press conference, the World No. 7 Gauff said, “It was Jess, it wasn’t me. We played a long match today. She still has to try to play singles. So yeah, I’m good. It’s all good on my end. Thank you.”

Gauff’s comments came considering her and Pegula’s withdrawal from their Doubles quarterfinal clash. After so much time on the court, the pair did not have enough gas left in the tank. Pegula also needed time to regroup for the big Singles encounter tomorrow where she locks horns with the formidable World No.1, Iga Swiatek.

A mere Singles defeat would never break up a bond like that shared by Gauff and Pegula. The fellow compatriots have been Doubles partners for more than a year now, and Gauff wishes to succeed alongside her. The pair are now looking above and beyond as they set their sights on the ultimate sporting achievement. What is it?

Gauff has her eyes set on the 2024 Olympics run

Recently, Gauff revealed that she aims to win an Olympic gold with Pegula in Paris next year. She is reportedly aiming to maintain her ranking before the tournament, to obtain a hassle-free main draw entry and a relatively easy draw.

READ MORE: Coco Gauff Gives a Special Gift to American Partner Jessica Pegula

According to Gauff, the singles Grand Slam titles are much more valuable than the doubles ones. However, when it comes to the Olympics, all events hold equal weight. There, she believes that singles or doubles do not matter when you represent your nation. Do you think Gauff can fulfill her dream and bring home the gold for the U.S.A. with Pegula next year? Let us know in the comments.

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