Caty McNally explains why she and Coco Gauff withdrew from Rome doubles tournament

Caty McNally and Coco Gauff’s doubles campaign at the Italian Open has been cut short.

The pair, who hadn’t played together since 2023, have three WTA titles to their names from earlier in their careers.

Gauff had reached out to McNally for a reunion in Rome, and the two made a promising start, winning their first two matches to reach the quarterfinals. But they withdrew before stepping on court for their next match.

Caty McNally issues statement after Rome doubles withdrawal with Coco Gauff

Gauff, who has made it to the singles final in Rome for the second year running, will not be in contention for the doubles title this time around.

There was some initial confusion over why Gauff and McNally didn’t take to the court for their quarter-final against seventh seeds Cristina Bucsa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, but that has since been explained.

McNally took to Instagram to explain that she was unwell and unable to play, which led to their withdrawal from the tournament.

“Sad to have to pull out of the dubs today due to sickness, unfortunately my body just couldn’t recover in time,” she wrote. “Time to get some rest and recover for the French [Open] (three love heart emojis).”

Will Coco Gauff and Caty McNally reunite for doubles at Roland-Garros?

Right now, there are no plans for Gauff and McNally to team up in doubles at Roland-Garros, as they are not on the entry list together.

Gauff, who is the defending singles champion in Paris, is expected to prioritise her title defence over a doubles campaign this year.

McNally will still be competing in doubles, however, partnering with former world number one Storm Hunter.

The pair join a draw that includes Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste, Alexandra Eala and Victoria Mboko, along with top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.

Before then though, Gauff is set to face Elina Svitolina in the Italian Open final on Saturday 16 May.

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