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Coco Gauff Opens Up on Jessica Pegula’s Comments After WTA Finals Victory

Coco Gauff found herself involved in the fallout from comments made by Jessica Pegula at this year’s WTA Finals. Pegula was overheard during a practice session, unaware that her conversation with coach Mark Knowles was being streamed live by the WTA.

During the discussion, Pegula described Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva as a "diva" who needed to be humbled. She also suggested that if Andreeva had Gauff’s mindset, she would surpass her compatriot.

Gauff later defeated Pegula 6-4, 6(5)-7, 6-2 in their opening WTA Finals match. Following the win, she shared how she felt after hearing Pegula’s remarks.

Immediate Apology from Pegula Eased Tension

Gauff and Pegula have maintained a close bond as fellow Americans and doubles partners for over two years before focusing more on singles competition. The comments could have caused friction, but Gauff revealed that Pegula and her coach apologized promptly.

"Jess told me, like before I even saw the video, she came and apologized immediately," Gauff said during a media session at the WTA Finals. "Honestly, I didn’t even really take it, I feel like maybe the other person [Andreeva] in the situation got a lot more of it."
"But they both, even her coach, apologized to me. So, I think for me I’m always a competitor, so I’m going to compete regardless of what’s happening off the court. But yeah, I know her heart and it was all good, I don’t feel any type [of way], we’re cool."

Whether or not the comments stung, Gauff will be satisfied to have won her third straight match against Pegula, taking an early lead in their head-to-head and starting strong at the tournament.

WTA Finals Group 1 Standings After Opening Matches

The first day of the 2026 WTA Finals featured more than just Gauff vs. Pegula. Linda Noskova and Marta Kostyuk also competed in Indian Wells. Kostyuk replaced world number one and defending champion Elena Rybakina, who withdrew for medical reasons but lost in straight sets to Wimbledon champion Noskova.

This leaves Noskova leading Group 1, closely followed by Gauff. Pegula and Kostyuk still need wins to progress, with Pegula set to face Kostyuk next on November 10. Meanwhile, Noskova and Gauff will battle for top spot in the group.

  • Linda Noskova: Matches 1-0, Sets 2-0, Games 12-6
  • Coco Gauff: Matches 1-0, Sets 2-1, Games 18-13
  • Jessica Pegula: Matches 0-1, Sets 1-2, Games 13-18
  • Marta Kostyuk: Matches 0-1, Sets 0-2, Games 6-12

Upcoming Matches in Group 2

Before Group 1 resumes play, Group 2 players Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Elina Svitolina, and Karolina Muchova will hit the court. Sabalenka faces a tough challenge against Muchova, the only player she trails in head-to-head matches. Andreeva will take on Svitolina.

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