Coco Gauff has expressed a sense of relief and satisfaction now that her season has finally concluded, stating that she was more pleased about the end of the year than the victory at the WTA Finals. While her triumph at the prestigious event in Riyadh was a remarkable achievement, Gauff’s focus is on the much-needed rest and recovery after what has been a physically and mentally demanding year. Unlike many of her peers who will head straight into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, Gauff has opted for a brief respite before returning to the court in the United Cup. In reality, it is more of a four-week break for the 20-year-old, with preparations for the next season set to intensify sooner than she may prefer. But despite this, the conclusion of a taxing year brings a sense of accomplishment and relief to the young American star.
Her 2024 season was a standout one, featuring triumphs in both the Australian Open and the US Open, solidifying her place among the top players in women’s tennis. She faced considerable expectations and pressure, not just from the outside world but also from within, as she aimed to continue her rise and cement herself as a fixture at the top of the WTA rankings. Winning the WTA Finals marked the pinnacle of an exceptional season, and yet Gauff found herself more eager for the chance to unwind and recharge than to revel in another victory.
The final match in Riyadh against China’s Qinwen Zheng was a classic display of Gauff’s resilience, determination, and fighting spirit. Zheng, who had been one of the most consistent and formidable players of the season, came out strong, and at times it looked as though she might be unshakeable. Zheng’s powerful groundstrokes and solid composure on the court gave her a firm hold over the match, but Gauff’s unrelenting focus and resolve helped her turn the tide. There were moments where Zheng seemed like an immovable wall, but Gauff, as she has done many times before, refused to back down. The American ultimately triumphed with a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) win, claiming her first WTA Finals title and further solidifying her status as a top contender in the sport.
“I’m tired and happy the season is over,” Gauff shared after the victory, adding, “It was a great match, Qinwen played great tennis, I tried my best to hang in there and I never gave up.” The match had been a gruelling battle, lasting over three hours, and Gauff’s comment reflected both the physical toll it took on her body and the emotional satisfaction of finishing the season on such a high.
“I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around, and I was so glad to do it again,” she continued. It was a testament to her growth as a player that she was able to draw on her past experiences, overcoming adversity and handling the pressure in a way that many more seasoned players would envy. The 20-year-old has steadily shown that she is not just a player of great skill but also one with a strong mental game capable of weathering the storms of big-match situations.
On court, Gauff was quick to credit Zheng for her incredible performance throughout the tournament, as well as for the outstanding season she has had. Zheng’s rise in the tennis world this year has been impressive, with the 22-year-old securing a gold medal and several high-profile final appearances. Gauff was full of praise for her opponent, acknowledging the quality of their match and the respect she has for Zheng’s hard work and achievements.
“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,” Gauff said, demonstrating the sportsmanship and humility that have become hallmarks of her character. It was clear that Gauff understands the value of her opponent’s efforts and sees the match as a celebration of both players’ growth throughout the season.
Reflecting on the broader picture of her year, Gauff also took the opportunity to thank her own team for their unwavering support. The grind of the tennis season is often grueling, and behind every champion is a team of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure their player is in the best shape, both physically and mentally, for each match. “I’d like to thank my team. It’s been a long season. I want to say thank you,” Gauff said. “This week has been so fun. Win or lose, I always have a good time with you guys.” It was evident that Gauff values the relationships she has with her team, recognizing that their collective efforts have played a key role in her success.
Family was also a central theme in Gauff’s post-match comments. Her parents, who have supported her from a young age, were again at the forefront of her thoughts. “Thank you to my parents. My mom is here. My dad is watching at home… my brother… my grandparents,” she said, emphasizing the importance of her family and their constant encouragement throughout her career. Their presence in her life has been a constant source of strength, and as much as her athletic prowess is celebrated, Gauff never loses sight of the love and support she receives from her loved ones.
As she reflected on her journey, Gauff also took a moment to express gratitude for the opportunities she has been given. “Thank you to the man above for allowing me to be here,” she said, acknowledging the larger forces at play in her life and career. It was a reminder of the grounding influence that her faith and family continue to have on her, even as her tennis career continues to ascend to new heights.
With her victory at the WTA Finals, Gauff has now secured her place as one of the most dominant and well-rounded players on the WTA Tour. However, she remains grounded and focused on the next chapter. The upcoming United Cup is already on her radar, and despite taking a short break, the competitive fire that drives her is never far from the surface. Gauff’s mindset heading into the next season is one of continual growth and development, with an understanding that each match is a step forward in her journey.
For now, though, it’s time for some well-deserved rest, and Gauff is eager to recharge and reflect on what has been an extraordinary year. Whether it’s on the court or off, 2024 has been a year of milestones for Coco Gauff, and as she prepares to dive into the challenges of the upcoming season, there’s no doubt that she will be looking to build on her success and continue her rise as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis.