American tennis star Coco Gauff had a challenging summer, but on Saturday, the young athlete was able to celebrate her first WTA Finals trophy, marking a significant boost to her confidence after a series of disheartening losses. The 20-year-old demonstrated her resilience against China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the Riyadh finale, overcoming a setback to win 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) in a grueling three-hour and four-minute match.
Gauff's first WTA Finals title was particularly poignant after a mid-season setback where attempts to refine her serve led to multiple frustrations on the tour and a change in her coaching staff. 'It's been a long season,' Gauff said, holding the gleaming silver trophy in Riyadh, and expressing gratitude to her family and team for their unwavering support through the highs and lows.
The year began positively for Gauff, with victories in Auckland and a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open. However, the season took a downturn with a fourth-round defeat at Wimbledon and a third-round exit at the Paris Games. Struggling to regain her form, she faced early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati, leading to a disappointing fourth-round defeat by Emma Navarro at the US Open, plagued by 19 double faults.
Gauff parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert and made a significant turnaround, winning her second WTA 1000 title at the China Open and reaching the Wuhan Open semifinals. Her return to top form was evident in Riyadh, where she defeated Poland's world number two Iga Swiatek in the group stage and battled past top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus to reach the championship match.
'I know (I) tend to focus on 'doubters/haters' but this one is really for all of my supporters! Ya’ll held it down for me win or lose!' Gauff wrote on X after clinching the title. 'I know some of you are a little bit petty like me so it does feel nice to silence them for a bit.'
As the youngest player to win the season-ending WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova two decades ago, Gauff leaves the inaugural professional women's tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia with over $4.8 million in winnings and a WTA title at every level. 'Safe to say I beat the bad season allegations,' Gauff remarked.
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