The 2024 WTA season has officially concluded, but Coco Gauff, one of the sport’s rising stars, isn’t settling down for a prolonged break. Instead, the 20-year-old American sensation has already returned to intense training, focusing on her pre-season preparation for 2025. This early commitment underscores Gauff’s determination to maintain her place among the elite, having finished the season as World No. 3. Known for her relentless work ethic, Gauff is pushing herself hard—so much so that she was recently seen donning a metabolic mask during her grueling workouts.
On Monday, Gauff gave fans a glimpse into her rigorous training regimen by posting a selfie on her Instagram story. The image, which showed her running on a treadmill while wearing the specialized mask, was captioned simply: “First day back,” accompanied by a playful squinting face emoji. The photo quickly garnered attention, highlighting her focus and dedication. For those unfamiliar, a metabolic mask measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output, helping athletes optimize their endurance and performance. It’s a tool typically used by elite competitors aiming for peak conditioning, and Gauff’s choice to incorporate it speaks volumes about her commitment to staying at the top of her game.
Gauff’s Social Media Buzz
Beyond Instagram, Gauff also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her enthusiasm about getting back to work. Her tweet, “First day of preseason gives first day of school vibes,” perfectly encapsulates the mix of excitement and anticipation that accompanies the start of a new training cycle. This relatable sentiment resonated with fans, showcasing her down-to-earth personality despite her high-profile status.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Gauff has utilized such high-intensity training methods. In November 2023, during a similar pre-season phase, she posted an image of herself wearing the same metabolic mask. In that instance, she humorously referenced the DC Comics supervillain Bane by adding an emoji of the character, known for his menacing mask. The playful comparison highlighted her ability to balance intense focus with a sense of humor—a quality that endears her to fans worldwide.
Highlights from Coco Gauff’s 2024 Season
Reflecting on Gauff’s 2024 campaign, it’s clear she had a rollercoaster journey marked by significant highs and some challenging moments. She kicked off the season in stellar fashion by defending her title at the ASB Classic in Auckland. There, she showcased her resilience and talent by defeating a series of formidable opponents, including Claire Liu, Brenda Fruhvirtová, Varvara Gracheva, and Emma Navarro. In the final, she faced Elina Svitolina, prevailing with a display of both power and tactical intelligence to secure her first title of the year.
However, the path wasn’t always smooth. Gauff encountered some inconsistency as the season progressed, struggling with form during key tournaments. Yet, true to her fighting spirit, she turned things around spectacularly in the latter part of the year. Her second title came a full ten months after Auckland, at the prestigious China Open in October. In that tournament, Gauff’s performance was nothing short of dominant. She navigated through the early rounds by overcoming Clara Burel and Katie Boulter, then faced a high-profile clash with Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. Gauff’s victory over Osaka demonstrated her mental toughness and ability to rise to big occasions. She continued her impressive run by defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarterfinals and Spain’s Paula Badosa in the semifinals. In the final, she outclassed Karolína Muchová, capturing her second title of the season.
Triumph at the WTA Finals
The crowning moment of Gauff’s year came at the WTA Finals, where she participated for the third time in her young career. Competing against the world’s best players, she navigated the round-robin stage with remarkable composure. She secured victories over Jessica Pegula and the then-World No. 1 Iga Świątek, although she fell to Barbora Krejčíková in her final group match. Undeterred, Gauff advanced to the semifinals, where she faced Aryna Sabalenka. In a high-stakes encounter, Gauff delivered a masterclass performance, setting up a final showdown against Zheng Qinwen. The final match was a testament to her growth and maturity—she played with confidence and tactical brilliance, defeating Zheng to claim the coveted title. With this victory, Gauff etched her name in history as the first American to win the year-end championship since Serena Williams in 2014.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Gauff embarks on her pre-season preparations, the expectations for 2025 are high. Her early return to training suggests that she’s keenly aware of the challenges ahead and is leaving nothing to chance. With her blend of athleticism, strategic intelligence, and an ever-improving game, Gauff has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the coming year. Her commitment to rigorous training, exemplified by her use of advanced tools like the metabolic mask, indicates that she’s focused on fine-tuning every aspect of her performance.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this hard work translates on the court. Given her track record and relentless determination, it’s safe to say that Gauff is poised for another memorable season. Whether she’s defending titles or chasing new milestones, one thing is certain: Coco Gauff’s journey is just beginning, and the best may be yet to come.