Why hasn’t Serena or Venus picked Coco Gauff as a doubles partner in a warmup tournament

Coco Gauff spoke out recently letting the world know that she would love to play WTA doubles tennis with Serena Williams.

Gauff is a Grand Slam champion in singles and doubles. She is an accomplished doubles player, winning titles with Caty McNally, Jessica Pegula, and Katerina Siniakova over the years.

While we are extremely excited that Serena and Venus are playing doubles together at Wimbledon this year, it does not explain why neither has tapped Gauff to play doubles in warmup tournaments.

Scheduling could be a main reason. Since winning the 2024 French Open doubles title with Katerina Siniakova, Gauff has limited her doubles play. She is no longer a mainstay in high profile tournaments with longtime partner Jessica Pegula. (However, the two are playing together in Berlin this week for the first time since Paris.)

The Williams sisters seem to select players who are rising stars in the sport. Victoria Mboko and Hailey Baptiste are great examples. This could be their way of mentoring and paying it forward to the next generation. Though only 22, Gauff has already arrived. Presumably and hopefully, she will be a WTA competitor and star for years to come.

Jun 29, 2021; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA) reacts while playing Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) in first round ladies singles on centre court at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Mandatory Credit: Peter Van den Berg-Imagn Images

Despite their legendary resumes, Serena or Venus may still feel pressure. Adding a player of Gauff’s stature and credentials may add to it.

Whatever the reasons may be, tennis fans sincerely hope that Serena or Venus will play doubles with Gauff in the future.