Coco Gauff is finally into a first Wimbledon quarter-final of her career, having come from a set down to beat Belinda Bencic just in the nick of time.
The American spoke about her awareness of the time pressure placed on their match, as it reached its conclusion, but also as they crept ever closer to the tournament’s 11 pm curfew.
To get it done with two minutes to spare made it all the more perfect when she tapped her wrist in celebration right after match point, beaming from ear to ear.
However, Coco Gauff will get little time to dwell on her impressive victory.
In just two days’ time, she faces a daunting task, seeking to unsettle Jessica Pegula in a mouth-watering all-American affair, once again on Centre Court.
Coco Gauff previews her Wimbledon quarter-final against Jessica Pegula
Asked to preview that contest, Gauff admitted: “Honestly, it’s going to be kind of similar [to the match against Bencic].
“It will be the third flat hitter I’ve played in a row. I think the last two matches I’ve had definitely gave me prep for her.
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“Yeah, she’s always a tough opponent for me. I think she’s really consistent and gets a lot of balls back and can also play really aggressive, too.
“I think it’s just going to be another one of those where I just have to be in it from start to finish.”
Then, it was suggested that her history of playing on Centre Court might help her against Pegula, who has never played in that arena.
Gauff swiftly shot down that theory: “Well, I don’t think it would be an advantage if I played or not. Maybe if I’m playing first round and I’m playing someone who’s younger and never really been in this circumstance or even quarters, I don’t know, maybe someone younger. That doesn’t always work. Maybe that.
“But as far as Jess, no, she has too much experience on the big stages. I don’t think that will play a role in the match at all.
“It’s kind of crazy. I’ve been lucky to play on that court. I don’t know why. I never had a good track record here. It was kind of crazy.
“I remember early in my career being surprised they scheduled me on first. Even the year when I was 15, they put me on Centre Court. I had one good match. I’m definitely honoured to have good experiences on that court.
“But it is crazy when you think about it, the careers Madi and Jess had.
Do you think Coco Gauff will win a Grand Slam title this year?
“I just say it’s lucky. Maybe they like me here (smiling).”
Gauff stated she has noticed a change in her serve during this tournament at Wimbledon. This could explain why she has broken through beyond her previous best-ever performance.
Coco Gauff’s head-to-head record against Jessica Pegula
Wednesday’s Wimbledon quarter-final clash between these top-ranked Americans promises fireworks.
After all, whilst they have engaged in some elite-level battles before, interestingly, they have never faced one another in a Grand Slam.
| Year | Event | Round | Winner |
| 2025 | WTA Finals | Round Robin | Jessica Pegula |
| 2025 | Wuhan Open | Final | Coco Gauff |
| 2024 | WTA Finals | Round Robin | Coco Gauff |
| 2024 | Berlin Open | Semi-final | Jessica Pegula |
| 2023 | WTA Finals | Semi-final | Jessica Pegula |
This makes their upcoming showdown all the more enticing.
Their Wimbledon clash will be the ninth of their career, with Pegula currently leading the head-to-head with five wins, and having won their most recent match in last year’s WTA Finals.
