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Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton React as Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul Joke About 'Dumping' Saga
The American tennis stars had a playful exchange on social media after Pegula ended her doubles partnership with Paul.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:48am
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Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul recently joked about their playful banter, which took place following Pegula's revelation about not teaming up with Paul anymore in doubles. The duo became part of a series of memes around the incident, which later left the likes of Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, and other fellow Americans in stitches.
Why it matters
The incident underlined the playful bond shared by the American players off the court, even as they prepare to compete against each other at the ongoing Miami Open.
The details
After suffering a 10-3 defeat to Taylor Fritz at the MGM Slam exhibition, Paul was left 'distraught,' as Pegula revealed on 'The Players' Box' podcast. Pegula hinted that she might not team up with Paul again in doubles. When the clip surfaced on Instagram, Paul playfully commented, 'Did I just get dumped?!' Pegula responded with a suggestion for Paul to go back with Madison Keys. A series of memes about the 'dumping' saga was later shared by 'The Players' Box' podcast and Pegula, catching the attention of Gauff, Shelton, and other players.
- Pegula and Paul teamed up for the Tie Break Tens exhibition at Indian Wells in March 2026.
- Pegula revealed her decision to not team up with Paul again on 'The Players' Box' podcast a few days after the Indian Wells event.
The players
Jessica Pegula
A top-5 ranked American professional tennis player on the WTA Tour.
Tommy Paul
An American professional tennis player who has been rising in the ATP rankings.
Coco Gauff
A young American professional tennis player who is one of the rising stars on the WTA Tour.
Ben Shelton
An up-and-coming American professional tennis player who has been making waves on the ATP Tour.
Madison Keys
An American professional tennis player who is a former Grand Slam finalist and top-10 player.
What they’re saying
“Did I just get dumped?!”
— Tommy Paul
“Sorry @tommypaull I think you should go back with @madisonkeys.”
— Jessica Pegula
“@tommypaull sorry @jpegula dumped you but maybe we can win it all next year?”
— Madison Keys
What’s next
The focus now shifts firmly to the ongoing Miami Open, where Pegula, Gauff, Paul, and Shelton are all set to compete in the singles and doubles events.
The takeaway
The playful exchange between Pegula and Paul, and the reactions from their fellow American players, highlight the camaraderie and friendly rivalry among the rising stars of American tennis, even as they compete at the highest levels of the sport.
