Coco Gauff didn't play the doubles at this year's Australian Open, and she talked about the impact on her campaign.
The American has generally played both singles and doubles at Grand Slams. Initially, it was with good friend Caty McNally, but due to her not always having the ranking to play also singles competitions, she switched to playing with Jessica Pegula.
It was a fruitful campaign as they made a few deep runs, including a final at Roland Garros, but never really won the trophy. She didn't play doubles this year and made the event's semi-final, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka.
Some might say it was a good decision because she kept herself relatively free of fatigue while also being able to focus on the singles.
When it comes to Gauff, she won't rule out playing doubles in the future, but it won't be to the extent of the past. It won't be at every event, but every now and then.
"I feel like in the future doubles won't always be a thing at slams, like, every slam. I don't want to completely shut it out, but it was a little different. It was weird having a lot of time. Jess wasn't feeling that great, but it was a weird dynamic, for sure, not playing one match."
Gauff had to get used to it because she had so much free time compared to before, but she will get used to it as she skips more of the doubles in the future. It's no problem for her; it's more of an observation.
"I remember, like, my first round, I think I just wanted to work on returns and then when we didn't play doubles, I was, like, well, I guess I have to go to the practice. It was weird just having so much time on the off days."
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