Jessica Pegula, the world No. 4 and 2024 US Open finalist, showered praise on compatriot Coco Gauff for her emotional resilience during a second-round match at the US Open 2025 on August 28, 2025, where Gauff broke down in tears but rallied to defeat Donna Vekic 7-6(5), 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pegula, who advanced to the fourth round herself, commended Gauff’s bravery, saying, “Being able to cry like that in front of a full stadium and still win the match takes courage” (Tennis World USA, August 31, 2025). Gauff, the 2023 champion, drew inspiration from Simone Biles in the crowd and referenced Emma Raducanu’s perspective on handling negativity, making her victory a powerful moment of vulnerability and strength. This article delves into Pegula’s comments, Gauff’s emotional triumph, their shared bond, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow their US Open campaigns, as of 1:00 AM WAT, Monday, September 1, 2025.
Pegula’s Heartfelt Praise
After her own 6-1, 7-5 third-round win over Victoria Azarenka on August 29, 2025, Pegula spoke in a press conference about Gauff’s emotional display against Vekic, emphasizing the mental fortitude required to overcome such a moment in front of thousands. “Being able to do that in front of a stadium and kind of break down and go through whatever she was going through inside and then still be able to win the match and come out on the other side, I mean, that takes guts,” she said (The Mirror US, August 30, 2025). Pegula highlighted the unique pressures of tennis, noting, “I don’t think outsiders really understand how complicated that is… We’re willing to go out there and fail in front of everybody, and it’s just us” (EssentiallySports, August 30, 2025).
She even suggested Gauff’s emotional release could fuel a deep run, stating, “Some of us say on tour, when we see a girl crying, they’re probably going to win. She’s probably going to play great now” (www.the-express.com, August 30, 2025). Pegula’s comments struck a chord, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Jess Pegula on Coco’s tears: ‘That takes guts.’ The support between these two is everything! 🇺🇸 #USOpen” (August 30, 2025). Her words underscored the camaraderie between the top American women, who share a history of successful doubles play and mutual encouragement.
Gauff’s Emotional Victory
Gauff’s second-round match against Vekic was a test of mental and physical resilience. Trailing 5-4 in the first set after a double fault on break point, Gauff broke down during a changeover, covering her face with a towel as she battled nerves and eight double faults, seven in the first set alone (CNN, August 29, 2025). “It was just nerves and just pressure, honestly… There’s been a lot on me this tournament, more than usual,” she admitted post-match (CNN, August 29, 2025). Drawing inspiration from Simone Biles, who was in the stands, Gauff said, “If she can go on a six-inch beam and do that under all the pressure of the world, then I can hit the ball on this court” (Sky Sports, August 29, 2025).
Gauff regrouped to win a dramatic first-set tiebreak 7-6(5) and cruised through the second 6-2, forcing 36 unforced errors from Vekic while hitting 14 winners (Tennis World USA, August 29, 2025). Her emotional post-match speech moved fans: “You guys bring me so much joy… I’m doing this for myself but also for you” (@TheTennisLetter, August 29, 2025). Gauff also referenced Raducanu’s perspective on handling scrutiny, saying, “I think Emma said this in an interview, like, aware of the negativity. You kind of get into that into your head with it” (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025). She followed with a 6-3, 6-1 third-round rout of Magdalena Frech on August 30, setting up a blockbuster fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka on September 1, 2025 (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025).
Context: Pegula and Gauff’s Bond
Pegula and Gauff, the top two American women, share a deep friendship forged through their doubles partnership, which yielded four WTA titles, including three WTA 1000 events in 2022 and 2023 (EssentiallySports, August 12, 2025). Though they paused doubles play after the 2024 Paris Olympics to focus on singles, Pegula reflected fondly, saying, “Coco and I played so much for a couple years… amazing results and memories” (www.profootballnetwork.com, April 23, 2025). Their bond was evident when Gauff playfully urged Pegula to delay retirement for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, joking, “You can’t retire before then!” (motorcyclesports.net, August 12, 2025).
Pegula’s empathy for Gauff’s emotional moment reflects their shared understanding of tennis’ mental demands, especially at the US Open, where home expectations are intense. Gauff’s work with biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan to address her 320 double faults in 2025—the most on tour—shows her commitment to growth, which Pegula has also praised (CNN, August 29, 2025). The Guardian noted, “Pegula’s support for Gauff’s vulnerability highlights the strength of American tennis” (August 30, 2025).
Fan and Media Reactions
Pegula’s praise and Gauff’s tearful triumph resonated widely. @josemorgado tweeted, “Jess backing Coco after that emotional win is what tennis is all about. Both are stars! #USOpen” (August 30, 2025). The Independent wrote, “Gauff’s tears and Pegula’s words show the human side of America’s tennis queens” (August 30, 2025). Fans rallied behind them, with @BlueTennis tweeting, “Coco’s fight and Jess’s support? Team USA is unstoppable! 🇺🇸 #USOpen” (August 30, 2025). CNN highlighted Gauff’s resilience, stating, “Her ability to reset after breaking down proves why she’s a champion” (August 29, 2025).
Muchova or Aryna Sabalenka for Pegula, loom large (The Guardian, August 30, 2025). Fans are electrified, with @WTAFanatic tweeting, “Coco’s heart and Jess’s words? American tennis is thriving! 🇺🇸 #USOpen” (August 30, 2025). For updates, visit usopen.org, wtatennis.com, or tennis.com, and follow @usopen, @CocoGauff, or @JPegula on X. As Gauff and Pegula chase glory, their camaraderie and talent keep fans captivated.
