Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, has become a player-owner of the Florida franchise in World TeamTennis. The American will line up for the Florida Flamingos in December 2026, a move that adds an entirely new dimension to her career. Gauff said she could not wait to play in South Florida in front of family and friends. Tennis players, she pointed out, rarely get the chance to compete as part of a team, which is why she is approaching this new experience with particular excitement.
Unlike the individual tournaments that dominate the calendar, this format is built on the team principle. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the league returns in December with three franchises. Gauff will be joined in the Florida side by Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, Iva Jovic, Brandon Nakashima and Eva Lys. Frances Tiafoe and Jessica Pegula will spearhead the New York Empire, while Denis Shapovalov, Leylah Fernandez, Victoria Mboko and Gabriel Diallo will fly the flag for Toronto North. Under the league's revamped rules, each fixture features four singles sets and a mixed doubles super tie-break, with every team sending two men and two women onto the court.
