Coco Gauff is set to team up with a new doubles partner, Erin Routliffe, at the Rome Open following Jessica Pegula’s withdrawal from the tournament, adding another chapter to Gauff’s recent doubles lineup changes.
While Gauff has been actively competing, Pegula has faced struggles with injuries, leading to her withdrawal from the upcoming Rome Open. Pegula’s participation in Strasbourg, prior to Roland Garros, remains uncertain, adding to her uncertain schedule.
Pegula’s absence from Rome comes after setbacks in her recovery process. Initially ruling out participation in Stuttgart due to a tight schedule, Pegula encountered a setback while recuperating in the United States, forcing her to withdraw from both Madrid and now Rome.
Despite Pegula’s absence, Gauff’s determination to compete in doubles remains steadfast. Having cycled through partners recently, Gauff has found success with various teammates, including Taylor Townsend in Madrid. Now, it’s Canadian player Erin Routliffe’s turn to team up with the American sensation in Rome.
The decision to partner with Routliffe underscores Gauff’s commitment to doubles play, despite the challenges posed by Pegula’s absence and her own evolving schedule.
In a tweet announcing the partnership, it was stated, “Coco Gauff will be playing Doubles with Erin Routliffe in Rome after Jess Pegula pulled out of Doubles #WTA,” highlighting Gauff’s readiness to adapt and continue competing at the highest level.
Coco Gauff in 2024
Ranked no.3 (career-high), Gauff played her last match on the 29th of April when she was overcome by world no.20 Madison Keys 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4 in the 4th round in Madrid (draw).
Currently, during this season Coco owns an overall 21-7 match record. Coco conquered 1 title in Auckland.
Erin Routliffe in 2024
Ranked world no.743, Routliffe played her last match on the 7th of October 2023 when she was defeated by world no.341 Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3 6-4
in the qualifications in Zhengzhou (draw).At present, during this year Erin has a 2-5 record.
Coco Gauff and Erin Routliffe have never played each other.
Coco Gauff and Erin Routliffe |
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