Jessica Pegula elated to have James Blake's daughters click pictures with her at Miami Open

Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff heaped praise on former American tennis player and Miami Open tournament director James Blake after their WTA 1000 doubles title run in the Floridian city.

Pegula and Gauff faltered in the singles category at the 2023 Miami Open, with a semifinal and third-round exit respectively. But they won the doubles trophy with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Taylor Townsend and Leylah Fernandez in the final.

The duo were ecstatic about their win, and during the presentation ceremony they commended former World No. 4 Blake for his efforts in organizing the tournament. Pegula remarked that having her idol's daughters asking for pictures with her was a “crazy” experience.

“Growing up, you were one of my idols. So, to have your daughters come and want to take pictures with me? Is crazy. I mean, it's James Blake. He’s a legend,” the World No. 3 said during her speech.

Gauff chimed in and stated that she was “always starstruck” around Blake, before adding that the former American tennis player is one of the best tournament directors around. She further thanked Blake for making the campaign a smooth one for her as well as for her family.

“Thank you, James. Like Jess said, you know, always being around you, I’m always starstruck. So, to watch you as a player, then have you as a tournament director – He’s honestly one of the best on tour,” Gauff said.

“So, I always enjoy coming to Miami Open, so thank you for accommodating me and my big family. I appreciate it,” the World No. 6 added.

Blake later reciprocated the admiration and thanked the duo for making his daughters’ day. He also declared that his family were their fans “for life.”

“Congratulations @JLPegula and @CocoGauff on the big win today. And you were so nice to my daughters that they may never stop talking about it. They are fans for life, as am I,” Blake tweeted.

The Miami Open is Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula’s second title of the year as doubles partners, after their successful defense of the Qatar Open. This is the pair's third WTA 1000 title and fifth overall.

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Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula gear up for the 2023 clay court season

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are the 2023 Miami Open winners

After ending the first half of the hardcourt season on a positive note, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will now get ready for the clay court season.

Pegula is expected to kick off her clay campaign at the ongoing WTA 500 Charleston Open, where she is the top seed due to World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal. Gauff, meanwhile, has opted for some time off before she commences her red dirt campaign.

The 2022 French Open singles and doubles runner-up will be seen in action at the WTA 500 Stuttgart Open between April 17-23.