Why top players opt for both singles and doubles -- even when it's tough
Playing singles and doubles at Wimbledon is brutal, but the tactical and competitive upside keeps stars like Gauff and Krejčíková doubling up.
Top stars at Wimbledon are doubling up on singles and doubles, risking burnout for tactical and competitive gains. Coco Gauff, Barbora Krejčíková, and the Williams sisters are among those logging court time in both disciplines despite grueling schedules. The strategy leverages rhythm, experience, and strategic depth, even when rest is scarce.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, entered Wimbledon 2024 fresh off a clay‑court swing that included a doubles title in Rome. Her doubles partnership with Jessica Pegula added another layer of preparation, sharpening her court sense ahead of singles play. Krejčíková, a Wimbledon doubles champion in 2021, has long prioritized the format, using doubles to refine her net play and tactical awareness—skills that translate directly to singles success.
