Jessica Pegula, a leading figure in professional tennis, faces growing pressure from her younger colleague, Coco Gauff, to postpone retirement and aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The discussion unfolded recently on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, where Pegula revealed Gauff’s insistence that she keep competing beyond her planned exit. Coco Gauff urges Pegula retirement delay, reflecting the high stakes and personal connections fueling this debate.

Jessica Pegula’s Ambitions and Career Highlights

During the 2023 US Open, Pegula made clear her goal to secure a major tournament victory. She overcame formidable opponents like Iga Świątek and Karolína Muchová, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in a closely contested final. Her coach, Mark Knowles, highlighted her aim not only for Grand Slam success but also to win the year-end championship.

Now ranked No. 4 globally, Pegula has compiled an impressive tally of 37 wins in 52 matches throughout the 2025 season, including three titles. Despite her continued success, she contemplates retirement at age 35 after dealing with burnout in the previous season.

“I think that is where I for sure have to stop,”

Pegula stated clearly regarding her planned retirement age.

The Influence of the 2028 Olympics and Gauff’s Persuasive Message

Coco Gauff has openly encouraged Pegula to extend her career through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She proposed,

If you’re going to play two more years, you might as well play another year for the LA Olympics.

Gauff’s plea underscores the emotional and competitive reasons behind her push, urging Pegula to seize the Olympic opportunity. Their shared history in doubles and mutual respect deepen the significance of Gauff’s request.

Gauff also emphasized Pegula’s potential to maintain a high ranking, saying,

You can’t retire before then! … You can just stay top 20, with the way you hit the ball, you will be fine,

demonstrating her confidence in Pegula’s continuing prowess on court.

A Decade-long Journey of Success and Partnership

Pegula’s career, which began in 2009, includes nine WTA singles titles and seven doubles titles. She has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments seven times and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in October 2022. The duo of Pegula and Gauff, though less active recently in doubles, has collected four titles together, including three WTA 1000 events and a memorable run to the 2022 French Open final.

Gauff shared a light-hearted comment on the state of their friendship:

Jess and I, we’re cool. Well, she invited me to go to movies, but she didn’t follow up on that,

reflecting their camaraderie beyond competition.

Pegula reciprocated, reminiscing about their shared achievements:

Coco and I played so much for a couple of years… amazing results and memories.

Their relationship remains a pillar of support as they focus on their singles careers, balancing friendship and rivalry on the tennis circuit.

What Lies Ahead for Pegula and the Tennis Community

With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, where Pegula and Gauff previously teamed up, speculation about Pegula’s future intensifies. Fans and experts alike are keen to see if Pegula will follow Gauff’s urging to stay active through 2028 or choose to retire as planned. This decision carries weight not only for her legacy but also for the dynamics of American tennis and Olympic prospects.

The ongoing conversation highlights the pressures athletes face when balancing personal goals, physical demands, and the desire to compete at the highest level. As Jessica Pegula contemplates her next moves, the tennis world remains captivated, aware that her choice will shape both her career and the sport’s narrative for years to come.