The 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh delivered a tennis spectacle for the ages, with Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng clashing in a match that will be remembered for its intensity, skill, and breathtaking displays of athleticism. Fans packed into the stands knew they were in for something special—and the two young stars did not disappoint. Every rally, every serve, and every fist pump underscored the stakes of the encounter, as both competitors sought to etch their names into history.
From the very start, Qinwen Zheng exuded confidence. Striding onto the court in a striking purple pleated skirt and matching vest top, she projected poise and determination. Winning the toss, Zheng chose to serve first—a move that paid off handsomely in the opening moments. Her serve was razor-sharp, backed up by a relentless baseline game that kept Gauff on her heels. As the first set unfolded, it became clear that Zheng had come prepared to make a statement. She controlled the pace with well-timed forehand winners and clever drop shots, capturing the set 6-3 and leaving Gauff to regroup.
However, if there’s one thing tennis fans have come to know about Coco Gauff, it’s her unshakable resilience. At just 20 years old, Gauff has already built a reputation as a fierce competitor who thrives in high-pressure situations. As she walked to her chair between sets, there was a fire in her eyes that hinted at what was to come. With her trademark composure, Gauff made strategic adjustments. She focused on improving her first-serve percentage and finding better angles on her returns, seeking to wrest control of the match from Zheng.
The second set was a testament to Gauff’s fighting spirit. After falling behind early, she dug deep, drawing energy from the crowd and her inner reserve of determination. Her movement on the court became more fluid, her shots crisper and more deliberate. At a crucial juncture, trailing 0-2, Gauff let out a roar of defiance after breaking Zheng’s serve—a primal declaration that she was far from finished. This moment, highlighted on social media by renowned tennis analyst and former coach Rennae Stubbs, would prove pivotal.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Stubbs praised Gauff’s ability to shift the match’s momentum, writing, “@CocoGauff let out that come on at 0-2 to win the game & that changed the momentum. For all the kids out there, let your opponent know you’re not going away without a fight.” It was a powerful message, one that resonated with Gauff’s performance on the court. From that moment, the tide began to turn. She clawed her way back into contention, eventually taking the second set 6-4, and leveling the match.
Gauff’s serve, which has been a point of concern throughout the year, held steady under pressure. She committed just two double faults in the first set and managed to keep a clean slate in the second—a testament to her focus and adaptability. Her groundstrokes carried newfound precision, and her footwork was electric. But as much as Gauff’s resurgence was the story of the set, Zheng did not fade away quietly. The Chinese star remained poised, battling back with powerful groundstrokes of her own and forcing Gauff to earn every point. As Stubbs noted in her continued commentary, “This is a great example of that but Zheng fighting back now, kept her composure. Terrific match here.”
The final set unfolded like a heavyweight bout, with both players trading blows and refusing to give an inch. Every point was contested with fierce determination, as the intensity of their rivalry reached new heights. Gauff’s confidence grew with each rally, and her body language reflected a player who believed in her destiny. Zheng, equally resolute, continued to test Gauff’s limits, mixing power with finesse to keep her opponent guessing.
In the end, it was Gauff’s composure and mental fortitude that proved decisive. She showcased why she is considered one of the sport’s brightest stars—not just for her physical talent, but for her unwavering determination. When the final point was won, Gauff fell to her knees, a mixture of exhaustion and elation washing over her. The victory was a hard-fought one, earned through grit and a refusal to back down even in the face of adversity.
As praises poured in from across the tennis world, Rennae Stubbs’ words captured the essence of Gauff’s triumph. Her comeback win over Zheng was more than just a display of skill—it was a masterclass in perseverance and self-belief. The WTA Finals match in Riyadh highlighted not only Gauff’s growth as a player but the relentless competitiveness that makes the sport so compelling. Fans witnessed a battle that embodied the very best of tennis: passion, drama, and a refusal to give up. Gauff’s journey continues, but for now, she can relish a victory that showed she is truly a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.