Coco Gauff demonstrated remarkable grit and tenacity to capture her maiden WTA Finals title, defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in a dramatic and exhausting battle. The final scoreline—3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2)—only hints at the incredible ebb and flow of a match that showcased Gauff’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Down 5-3 in the deciding set, Gauff’s chances seemed slim. Yet, as she has done many times in her young career, she dug deep and found a way to triumph.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Gauff, who at just 20 years old becomes the youngest WTA Finals champion since Maria Sharapova claimed the title as a 17-year-old in 2004. Her path to the trophy was anything but easy. Over the course of a demanding week in Riyadh, Gauff not only defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka but also toppled defending champion Iga Swiatek, underscoring her status as one of the most formidable competitors on the women’s tour. Her success at the WTA Finals is a testament to her determination, skill, and mental toughness.
The final itself was a showcase of contrasting styles and immense willpower. Zheng Qinwen, who has enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, brought her powerful groundstrokes and fearless play to the court, dominating the early stages. Gauff struggled to find her rhythm in the first set, with Zheng’s aggressive returns and pinpoint accuracy pushing the American onto the defensive. Despite losing the opening set 3-6, Gauff never lost focus. She adjusted her strategy, using her exceptional speed and defensive skills to extend rallies and force errors from her opponent.
In the second set, Gauff’s adaptability and mental resilience came to the forefront. She began mixing up her shots, combining baseline power with deft drop shots and well-timed net approaches. This shift in tactics disrupted Zheng’s rhythm, allowing Gauff to take the second set 6-4. The intensity of the match only escalated from there, with both players trading blows and refusing to back down. The third set was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, and when Gauff found herself trailing 5-3, it seemed that Zheng was on the verge of victory.
However, Gauff’s career has been defined by her ability to rise in the face of daunting odds. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Gauff reflected on the mental fortitude that carried her through. “It was a really great match. Qinwen played some unbelievable tennis. I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up,” she said. “I was just telling myself, ‘It’s another point, another chance’. I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around… and was able to do it again.”
In the tiebreak that decided the match, Gauff displayed poise beyond her years. She raced out to an early lead, using her powerful serve and precise shot placement to keep Zheng on the back foot. With each point, the crowd in Riyadh could sense history in the making. Gauff ultimately closed out the tiebreak 7-2, collapsing to the court in a mix of exhaustion and elation.
This victory is the latest chapter in what has already been a storied career for Gauff, who burst onto the scene as a teenager with a fearless run at Wimbledon. Since then, she has grown into a mature competitor, handling the immense pressure and expectations placed upon her with grace and determination. Her resilience has become her defining quality, setting her apart as one of the most captivating players on the tour.
Reflecting on her journey, Gauff acknowledged the challenges she has faced and overcome. “It’s been a long road to get here,” she said. “There were moments when I doubted myself, but I’ve always had an amazing team and support system around me. They believed in me when I didn’t, and that made all the difference.”
Gauff’s triumph in Riyadh is not just a personal milestone; it signals a potential changing of the guard in women’s tennis. Her ability to blend power with strategy, her relentless work ethic, and her ability to rise to the occasion make her a formidable presence on any court. While Zheng Qinwen may have fallen short in the final, her performance throughout the tournament shows that she too is a rising star, poised to make her mark on the sport.
As Gauff lifted the trophy, the youngest WTA Finals champion in two decades, it was clear that her journey is just beginning. Her victory is a reminder of what makes sports so compelling: the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the ability of extraordinary athletes to inspire through their courage and resilience. For Gauff, this win is a symbol of what she has already accomplished and a harbinger of what she is capable of achieving in the future. Women’s tennis has a new champion to celebrate, and if this week in Riyadh is any indication, the best is yet to come.