May 13 2026 - Caty McNally Coco Gauff 1resize

ROME—At this year’s Internazionali BNL d'Italia, a once familiar duo is back together on the doubles court.

Coco Gauff and Caty McNally have joined forces for the first time since April 2023 when they helped the U.S. win their Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier over Austria. The American pair selected their team nickname “McCoco” during a 2019 season that saw them win their first title in Washington D.C. and captivate fans on the big stage with a pair of victories at Flushing Meadows.

Gauff and McNally later went on to finish runner-up at the 2021 US Open, before going their separate ways on tour following the 2022 Miami Open. McNally returned to the title match at her home major that year with Taylor Townsend, while Gauff later celebrated her first doubles Slam with Katerina Siniakova at 2024 Roland Garros.

Back together in Rome, the two friends saved a match point in their opening win against Aldila Sutjiadi and Janice Tjen before advancing to the quarterfinals on Wednesday. A look at the scene from their latest victory on SuperTennis Arena over Marie Bouzkova and Alexandra Panova:

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Both members of the tandem are comfortable playing up, as seen by this putaway volley from Gauff.

Both members of the tandem are comfortable playing up, as seen by this putaway volley from Gauff.

Mishaps are bound to happen, like when Gauff fell mid point here. She managed to get up to play the next shot, though missed it long.

Mishaps are bound to happen, like when Gauff fell mid point here. She managed to get up to play the next shot, though missed it long.

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The two kept the vibes positive, laughing through the highs and lows.

The two kept the vibes positive, laughing through the highs and lows.

While they weren't able to serve out the match the first time, great hustle like this dig from McNally immediately gave the pair another shot.

While they weren't able to serve out the match the first time, great hustle like this dig from McNally immediately gave the pair another shot.

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It was important, as rain began falling during the changeover and soon suspended play. McCoco subsequently closed out the 6-3, 7-5 victory on McNally's serve, and perhaps in a rush, slightly mistimed their celly.

It was important, as rain began falling during the changeover and soon suspended play. McCoco subsequently closed out the 6-3, 7-5 victory on McNally's serve, and perhaps in a rush, slightly mistimed their celly.

Perhaps something to work on with each passing win. :)

Perhaps something to work on with each passing win. :)