Coco Gauff keeps her ego aside to save struggling Jessica Pegula from awkward wardrobe malfunction: "I wouldn't do this with another girl

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are currently in action at the WTA Finals. Pegula defeated the former in their first group-stage match, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2.

While Gauff entered Riyadh after a title-winning run in Wuhan, Pegula secured a runner-up finish at the event. Both players will be eager to make a deep run this week.

Gauff and Pegula were spotted having a lighthearted discussion during the pre-tournament festivities in Riyadh. The youngster shared some constructive fashion advice to Pegula and wished to save her from a wardrobe malfunction.

"Do I have it on backwards,"Jessica Pegula asked "Wait, let me see. No, the dress doesn't fit her, and then the ruffles. But Jess knows me, it's fine, I wouldn't do this with another girl," Coco Gauff replied

Here's the video of their interaction behind the scenes at the WTA Finals:

Gauff and Pegula are known to be good friends on tour. The duo has also competed together in women's doubles events in the past.

Speaking about her approach towards fashion, Gauff said she liked to plan her outfits for tournaments well in advance. The American has been spotted experimenting with her looks in the recent past.

“I plan my outfits for tournaments well in advance just because I like to know what I’m wearing. I don’t know why it’s such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks. And I’m like, ‘I’m a human. Tennis is what I do, but it’s not who I am,” Coco Gauff said

The World No. 3 also spoke about dealing with critics' opinions on her outfits.

"I like to express my way just like any other person likes to express themselves. For me, that’s just showing up on court and being the best version of myself. But I definitely think if women want to do that, they should be celebrated and not persecuted for it," she added

"She makes you win, you have to beat her and problem solve" - Jessica Pegula reacts after defeating Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals

Pegula and Gauff at the WTA Finals 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Jessica Pegula is in the driver's seat after defeating Coco Gauff in the first group-stage round. If the American wins her next match against Sabalenka, she will qualify for the semifinals in Riyadh.

Here's what Pegula said after defeating Gauff:

“She makes you win. She makes you really have to beat her and problem-solve. She was serving really well there, especially in the second. I changed a few things,” Jessica Pegula said

The fifth seed also spoke about her friendship with Coco Gauff. She felt their relationship didn't affect the outcome of their matches on tour.

"Honestly, no. Because we know what the other is going to do. It’s pretty much the same every time! It’s just who can execute it better and who plays better that day. So honestly, I feel like it’s a bit more straightforward.”

Pegula will take on Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday for a place in the last four. She won her most recent encounter against the Belarusian in Wuhan (2025).

Edited by Aman Mohamed