Coco Gauff capped off an extraordinary season by capturing the prestigious WTA Finals title, cementing her status as one of tennis’s top competitors. The 20-year-old American’s triumph came at the end of a season marked by highs and lows, where she overcame a series of tough challenges and formidable opponents, including Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, before besting Qinwen Zheng in an epic final showdown. Entering the tournament as the third-ranked player in the world, Gauff’s victory was not only a testament to her tenacity and growth but also a significant milestone for American tennis.
The final match against Zheng was nothing short of a rollercoaster, lasting over three hours and showcasing Gauff’s resilience and skill. After dropping the first set 3-6, she mounted a spirited comeback, taking the second set 6-4 and ultimately prevailing in a nerve-wracking third set tiebreak, 7-6(2). With this victory, Gauff became the youngest player to claim the WTA Finals crown since Maria Sharapova’s win in 2004 and the first American to do so in a decade. Reflecting on her triumph, Gauff expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans, whose support has been unwavering throughout her journey. Among those congratulating her was a prominent voice in tennis circles, Rick Macci, a former coach to Serena Williams, who took to social media to praise Gauff’s rise.
Macci tweeted, “What I love about Coco Gauff’s game is she can and will improve a lot more as she already has the internal wiring of a champion and the blazing foot speed of a world-class track athlete. Fasten WTA seat belt as a new sheriff is coming to town 2025. @CocoGauff.” His words reflected the widespread belief that Gauff has only scratched the surface of her potential. Over the past year, she has made noticeable strides in her game, especially under the guidance of her new coach, Matt Daly.
After parting ways with Brad Gilbert in September, Gauff’s game saw a marked improvement. The partnership with Daly quickly bore fruit, as evidenced by her early-season title win at the Auckland Open and later, a significant victory at the China Open, where she defeated Karolina Muchova. Gauff, optimistic about the future, stated, “I think this is probably what it will look like next year too. I’m super excited for a new change and hopefully to improve other parts of my game.” Daly’s coaching seems to have rejuvenated Gauff’s confidence, sharpening aspects of her game that had previously held her back.
Rennae Stubbs, another prominent figure in tennis and a former coach of Serena Williams, had also predicted Gauff’s success at the WTA Finals. Before the tournament began, Stubbs offered a key piece of advice during her podcast, emphasizing the importance of Gauff’s serve. “If she serves less than six double faults in her matches, no matter what match she plays, she will win the tournament,” Stubbs predicted. Her words proved prophetic, as Gauff’s improved serve became a major asset throughout the tournament.
Following Gauff’s triumph, Stubbs couldn’t resist taking to social media to share her excitement and satisfaction over the accuracy of her prediction. She tweeted, “Remember what I said about @CocoGauff in the finals. Less than 6 double faults a match, she wins them all!” Gauff’s serving had been a point of concern for much of the season, often undermining her efforts during crucial moments. But during the WTA Finals, she showcased newfound consistency and composure. In her group stage match against Jessica Pegula, for example, she recorded just two double faults, well below Stubbs’ suggested threshold. This steady performance under pressure marked a significant turning point for Gauff, further underscoring her growth as a player.
Gauff’s journey to the WTA Finals title has been emblematic of her year as a whole—marked by resilience, hard work, and a desire to continually improve. From refining her serve to strengthening her mental toughness, Gauff has demonstrated that she belongs among the sport’s elite. The combination of her natural athleticism, competitive fire, and a strong support team around her bodes well for what the future holds.
Looking ahead, many believe that Gauff is poised for even greater success in the upcoming 2025 season. With her confidence bolstered by recent victories and the invaluable experience gained from competing at the highest levels, she stands as one of the most exciting young talents in women’s tennis. As Rick Macci suggested, fans and competitors alike would do well to buckle up—because Coco Gauff is undoubtedly here to stay and determined to make her mark on the sport. Whether she continues to add titles and accolades to her name or faces new challenges, Gauff’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and unyielding passion for the game. Time will tell just how far she can go, but one thing is certain: Coco Gauff has already proven she’s a force to be reckoned with.