Google News Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula make decision on Billie Jean King Cup Finals participation
by DZEVAD MESIC
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have decided not to represent the United States at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Gauff, ranked at No 3 in the world, and world No 4 Pegula are the two highest-ranked American female players.
This week, the United States announced its nominees for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Sevilla. In the absence of Gauff and Pegula, the United States will be represented by Madison Keys, Sofia Kenin, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend.
Meanwhile, Gauff and Pegula will play their last tournament of the year at the WTA Finals.
Gauff, Pegula to end their season at the WTA Finals
Following their withdrawal from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, it means that Gauff and Pegula will end their season at the WTA Finals.
In Cancun, the WTA Finals will be taking place between October 29 - November 05. Gauff, 19, and 29-year-old Pegula are both set to make their second appearance at the prestigious season-ending tournament. While Pegula is playing this week in Seoul, Gauff withdrew from this week's WTA 500 event in Zhengzhou.
After losing in the Beijing semifinal last week to Iga Swiatek, Gauff explained she would play at the WTA Finals and then focus on improving her game in the offseason. "Yeah, one of the goals that I set earlier in the year was for me to do well in the big events, do better on the 1000 level.
I accomplished that goal. I'm really proud of myself. I think that I have a lot to improve on. So I think that's what makes me excited for next year. After WTA Finals I have some more weeks to really practice and improve. I do notice, like, my game gets better every time I go through even like a two-week break of just practicing.
Yeah, I'm really proud of myself. Hopefully next year I can continue this consistency, maybe not 16 in a row on a consistent level, but as long as I can string along some wins, 1000 title wins, and hopefully a Grand Slam would be a great goal for me next year," Gauff said after her Beijing exit.