Coco Gauff, one of the brightest talents in women’s tennis today, has impressed fans and professionals alike by becoming the 2023 US Open champion. With her career soaring, Gauff still has many more steps ahead to conquer Grand Slam titles and continue shining on the court. However, her story isn’t just limited to singles victories. A significant part of her career involves her special relationship with Caty McNally, a close friend who became her doubles partner, from their early days on the WTA Tour to new developments in 2024.
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Starting from the Early Days
Coco Gauff made a huge impression with her debut on the WTA Tour in 2019. At just 15 years old, no one could predict that she would become one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis in just a few years. However, Gauff became known not only for her remarkable achievements in singles but also for her unique relationship with Caty McNally, a talented young player in her own right.
In 2019, during the Miami Open, Gauff faced McNally in her very first WTA Tour match. The match, although intense, showcased Gauff’s resilience as she defeated McNally in a thrilling three-set match, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory was not only Gauff’s first win on the professional tour but also marked the beginning of her rise in the tennis world. Despite losing, McNally could see the immense potential of her friend and knew that Gauff was destined for greatness.
A Doubles Partnership That Only Grew Stronger
After that match, Gauff and McNally continued to build their careers, both individually and as a doubles duo. The pair won three WTA Tour titles together, including a memorable run to the 2021 US Open doubles final. Although they didn’t win the title, their performance proved that they were a force to be reckoned with.
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Their victories also included the Emilia-Romagna Open in 2021 and the BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open in 2019. Their success in doubles continued to build the reputation of this dynamic American duo. They also won a junior Grand Slam doubles title together, claiming the US Open junior doubles crown in 2018 before Gauff transitioned to the main singles circuit.
A Bright Future Ahead
Although their doubles partnership took a backseat as Gauff focused on her singles career, McNally and Gauff’s bond remained strong. McNally, despite not playing in many major singles tournaments, shifted her focus to doubles. Ranked 817 in the world, McNally is working hard to improve her game and make a comeback on the tour.
Meanwhile, Gauff has been enjoying a successful singles career, particularly after winning the WTA Finals in early November 2024. However, she hasn’t ruled out a return to doubles with McNally. Given their strong partnership and understanding of each other’s game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them team up again on the doubles circuit.
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A Timeless Friendship
Despite the different paths their careers have taken, Gauff and McNally share a bond that goes beyond the tennis court. McNally, although no longer competing at the highest level in singles, has always supported Gauff in her journey. In August 2022, McNally was asked about her relationship with Gauff, and she shared, “What she’s doing is amazing. I’ve reached out to Coco and congratulated her on her latest win.”:extract_cover():upscale()/2021/09/09/637/n/44498184/31bbf0ab0f1c9fda_GettyImages-1327314370.jpg)
“Coco and I, yes, we’re not playing together right now, as everyone has seen, but we still have an amazing friendship. I still consider her one of my closest friends on tour,” McNally added.
Conclusion: Can We Hope for a New McCoco Doubles Duo?
With all the success they’ve achieved together and the strong friendship between Gauff and McNally, it’s not out of the question to hope for a reunion of the duo in the future. Doubles tennis is a challenging but rewarding arena, and with their chemistry and friendship, Gauff and McNally could make a significant impact.
If they were to reunite as a doubles team, it would be one of the most intriguing stories in tennis, as they are not only teammates but also close friends, ready to continue writing an inspiring chapter of their careers. Let’s wait and see if the McCoco duo will return to the court, as they continue to inspire the tennis world!
