--- title: "Why top players opt for both singles and doubles -- even when it's tough" description: "Playing singles and doubles at Wimbledon is brutal, but the tactical and competitive upside keeps stars like Gauff and Krejčíková doubling up." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/why-top-players-opt-for-both-singles-and-doubles-even-whe-eb8c91cc published: 2026-07-03T07:41:01.549+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:41:01.549+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["tennis"] --- # 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. The Williams sisters’ careers are a blueprint for this approach. Venus and Serena often played both disciplines in their primes, leveraging doubles to extend their longevity and maintain sharpness across surfaces. Their doubles success at Wimbledon—Venus won five titles with Serena—demonstrated how the format could complement singles performance, even in high‑pressure weeks. Coaches and analysts point to the mental and physical rhythm doubles provides. Playing both formats keeps players in a competitive mindset, reducing the shock of transitioning between singles intensity and the quicker exchanges of doubles. "It’s about maintaining flow," said one coach. "When you step off the doubles court, you’re still in match mode, not starting from zero." The compressed timetable means players often face back‑to‑back matches with minimal recovery. Gauff’s 2024 schedule saw her play a 90‑minute singles match followed by a 45‑minute doubles set the next day, highlighting the endurance required. Coaches note that the high‑intensity bursts of doubles can actually aid recovery by keeping blood flow active without the prolonged exertion of a full singles match. Strategic depth is another draw. Doubles forces players to refine positioning, poaching, and communication—skills that sharpen singles tactics. Krejčíková’s success in Rome’s doubles final, where she outmaneuvered opponents with rapid net exchanges, directly translated to her aggressive baseline play in Wimbledon’s early rounds. The physical toll is real, but the data suggests the trade‑offs are manageable for elite bodies. A 2023 study in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine* tracked workload metrics for players who doubled up across Grand Slams and found no significant spike in injury rates compared to singles‑only peers. Instead, the study highlighted improved match sharpness in the second week for those who maintained doubles routines. The key, researchers noted, was strict load management—something Gauff’s team has prioritized with on‑court physio sessions between formats. Historically, doubles has been dismissed as a secondary discipline, but its resurgence among top singles players reflects a tactical evolution. The modern game rewards versatility. Players who can transition seamlessly between formats gain an edge in court awareness and shot selection under pressure. Krejčíková’s Wimbledon 2024 campaign, where she reached the singles quarterfinals while also teaming with Katerina Siniaková in doubles, underscores how the two formats can reinforce each other. The approach isn’t just about stamina—it’s about sharpening the mind. What's next: Expect more top players to test the limits of the schedule. With Wimbledon’s 2025 draw announcement approaching, the debate over specialization versus versatility will intensify. The All England Club has shown no signs of loosening its scheduling, leaving stars to weigh the risks and rewards of doubling up. The physical toll is real, but the data suggests the trade‑offs are manageable for elite bodies. A 2023 study in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine* tracked workload metrics for players who doubled up across Grand Slams and found no significant spike in injury rates compared to singles‑only peers. Instead, the study highlighted improved match sharpness in the second week for those who maintained doubles routines. The key, researchers noted, was strict load management—something Gauff’s team has prioritized with on‑court physio sessions between formats. Historically, doubles has been dismissed as a secondary discipline, but its resurgence among top singles players reflects a tactical evolution. The modern game rewards versatility. Players who can transition seamlessly between formats gain an edge in court awareness and shot selection under pressure. Krejčíková’s Wimbledon 2024 campaign, where she reached the singles quarterfinals while also teaming with Katerina Siniaková in doubles, underscores how the two formats can reinforce each other. The approach isn’t just about stamina—it’s about sharpening the mind. ## Why this matters Doubling up challenges the modern 'specialist' approach in tennis, proving versatility can elevate performance and longevity. In an era where workload management dominates discussions, stars like Gauff and Krejčíková are betting that the tactical and competitive upside of playing both singles and doubles outweighs the burnout risk. Their choices could reshape how top players structure their careers. Data from the 2023 *British Journal of Sports Medicine* study suggests the strategy doesn’t inherently increase injury rates when load is managed properly, adding a scientific layer to the debate. ## Frequently asked ### Why do top tennis players risk burnout by playing both singles and doubles at Wimbledon? The gamble pays off in rhythm, experience, and strategic depth. Doubles keeps players in a competitive mindset, reducing the shock of transitioning between formats. For stars like Gauff and Krejčíková, the tactical and competitive upside outweighs the burnout risk. ### Which top players are currently doubling up at Wimbledon 2024? Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejčíková are among the stars playing both singles and doubles. The Williams sisters have historically doubled up, with Venus winning five Wimbledon doubles titles alongside Serena. ### How does playing doubles improve a player’s singles performance? Doubles sharpens net play, tactical awareness, and court sense. The format’s quicker exchanges translate to better reflexes and strategic depth in singles, even under pressure. ### Has Wimbledon’s schedule made doubling up more challenging? Yes. Wimbledon’s packed schedule leaves limited rest between singles and doubles matches. Players must carefully manage fatigue, but the competitive rhythm doubles provides can offset the strain. ### Can doubling up actually reduce injury risk? Research suggests it can. A 2023 *British Journal of Sports Medicine* study found no spike in injury rates for players who doubled up across Grand Slams when load was managed properly, with some showing improved match sharpness in the second week. ## Sources & Citations - [Why top players opt for both singles and doubles -- even when it's tough](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/49239471/wimbledon-doubles-townsend-siniakova-ostapenko-williams-sisters) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Why top players opt for both singles and doubles -- even when it's tough. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/why-top-players-opt-for-both-singles-and-doubles-even-whe-eb8c91cc