The atmosphere in Riyadh was electric as Coco Gauff defied all odds to claim the 2024 WTA Finals title in one of the most dramatic and thrilling matches of her career. Despite facing a tough challenge in the form of China’s Qinwen Zheng, Gauff displayed incredible resilience and determination to fight back from a set down, eventually sealing the victory after three hours and four minutes of intense tennis. The young American’s victory was not just a triumph of skill, but also a testament to her mental fortitude. At just 20 years old, Gauff made history, becoming the youngest player to win the WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova claimed the title at the age of 17 nearly two decades ago.
It was a match full of twists and turns, with Gauff initially struggling in the first set. After losing the first set 3-6 to Zheng, the odds were stacked against her, and it looked like the match might slip away. However, the American star was not to be outdone. She dug deep into her reserves of mental and physical strength, battling back in the second and third sets to secure the win in what was a truly epic encounter. Even Gauff herself admitted that she did not expect the match to last as long as it did, and she later had to rush straight to the airport to catch her flight after the post-match ceremony.
This victory marked Gauff’s third consecutive appearance at the WTA Finals, and her achievement was made all the more impressive by the fact that she had to defeat both the world number one and number two players to claim the prestigious trophy. Her performance in Riyadh was a fitting culmination of a fantastic year, and she could not have been more thrilled to add the WTA Finals title to her already impressive list of accomplishments. However, the victory did come at a cost, as Gauff had to scramble to make her way to the airport after the match, forgetting some of her post-match commitments in the process.
In a heartfelt apology to her fans on social media, Gauff explained her hurried exit from the venue. She posted an Instagram story shortly after the match, writing, “Straight from the court –>> to trophy ceremony shoot –>>> to airport. Literally wearing heels at the airport. Was not anticipating the match to go over 3 hours. So, had to rush out of my mindddd but hey, it was worth it.” Gauff further added, “Also sorry I wasn’t able to sign as much post-match as usual. I had to rush out fasttttt.” It was already well past 1:15 a.m. when she posted this, and fans could certainly empathize with what she had just gone through after such an exhausting match.
The battle between Gauff and Zheng was a spectacle in itself, with both players putting on an extraordinary display of skill and tenacity. Gauff’s comeback in the match was particularly inspiring, as she reminded fans of her incredible triumph at the 2023 US Open, where she also staged a remarkable comeback to win her first Grand Slam title. Reflecting on her victory in Riyadh, Gauff spoke candidly about the mental toughness required to secure such a hard-fought win. “Just staying resilient, fighting for every point. I know I was like a couple of points away from losing, but, you know, I just tried to stay in the moment, honestly, and I’m really proud of myself,” she said during the post-match press conference.
The emotional outpouring at the end of the match was another highlight, as Gauff, exhausted from the physical and mental demands of the contest, fell to the floor in sheer relief and joy. “At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that. I kind of, like, made a promise to myself that I will only save that for Grand Slams. But honestly, to the way the match went, I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.’” It was a raw, unfiltered moment that captured the emotion of the win and the incredible journey Gauff had taken to reach this point in her career.
After the match, both Gauff and Zheng spoke highly of each other’s performances. Despite her disappointment, Zheng congratulated Gauff, saying, “Congrats to the champion. It’s your first title here. I wish you have a great future.” This was only their second meeting on tour, and Gauff now holds a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head record. But it was clear that both players had a deep respect for each other’s abilities. Gauff reciprocated the compliment, saying, “I want to congratulate Qinwen on an incredible match and tournament. You had a stellar season. Winning the gold medal and reaching so many finals. Hopefully, we can play many more finals together. Congrats to your team too. You guys are very nice. It’s fun competition.” Zheng’s year had been remarkable, including a gold medal win and a strong run to the Australian Open final, and Gauff acknowledged her opponent’s achievements with grace and sportsmanship.
Looking ahead, many fans are excited at the prospect of seeing Gauff and Zheng face off again in more high-stakes matches in the future. With both players in top form, it seems likely that we’ll see many more thrilling encounters between the two on the biggest stages in tennis. Gauff, for her part, has already set her sights on further achievements, and the WTA Finals victory is just the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career.
In an interview earlier in October, after her title win in Beijing, Gauff spoke about her impressive season. “The results confirm that we are heading in the right direction,” she said, reflecting on her stellar year, in which she played 69 matches, winning 52 of them. In addition to the WTA Finals title, Gauff has secured three titles this season, cementing her status as one of the best players on the tour. She thanked her team and family for their unwavering support throughout the long and challenging season, which was filled with both triumphs and tough moments.
As for the future, Gauff’s victory in Riyadh will undoubtedly serve as a huge confidence booster for her heading into 2025. With the new year on the horizon, fans are eager to see what the young American can accomplish next. Could we witness a blockbuster clash between Gauff and Zheng at the Australian Open in January 2025? It’s certainly a possibility, and fans around the world will be watching closely as both players continue to rise through the ranks of women’s tennis.
In conclusion, Coco Gauff’s remarkable triumph at the 2024 WTA Finals is a moment that will be remembered for years to come. From her incredible comeback against Zheng to the emotional celebrations and her ability to stay composed under pressure, Gauff proved that she is a true champion. As she prepares for the challenges of 2025, one thing is for certain: Coco Gauff is a player who is here to stay, and her journey is only just beginning.