At the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Coco Gauff, the rising American tennis star, produced one of her most impressive performances to date, defeating defending champion Iga Świątek in straight sets—6-3, 6-4. This victory marks a significant milestone for Gauff, who had previously struggled to overcome the current world number two, Świątek, with only one previous win in 12 attempts. It was a result that surprised many, especially given the high stakes of the WTA Finals, where the top eight women in the world compete for the season-ending title.
The WTA Finals are the grand finale of the women’s tennis season, a prestigious event where the best players of the year converge for one last battle for glory. With a massive prize pool and the opportunity to end the season on a high note, the pressure is always intense. For Coco Gauff, who has had a breakout year, it was her opportunity to show that she belongs among the elite in women’s tennis. And on Tuesday, she did exactly that.
Gauff’s victory over Świątek came as a result of an exceptionally composed performance in both sets, where she exhibited improved control and maturity on the court. Although Gauff has always been known for her athleticism and mental toughness, this particular match revealed a more nuanced side to her game. The American handled the pressure against a player like Świątek, who has had a dominant season, winning five Grand Slam titles and finishing 2023 as the world number two. It was a remarkable display of skill, resilience, and maturity.
Tracy Austin, a former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, recently discussed Gauff’s performance on the *Tennis Channel Podcast*. Austin, who has decades of experience analyzing top-tier tennis, provided insight into the factors that allowed Gauff to secure such a commanding win. According to Austin, one of the key reasons Gauff was able to overcome her opponent was her improved control, particularly with her serve. Austin noted that Gauff’s serve, which had been a weakness in the past, appeared much more reliable during the first set of the match.
“What’s interesting about the serve is that Coco only had two double faults in the first set,” Austin remarked. “That’s a great sign of stability, especially considering how much pressure the serve can create in a match like this. But what really stood out to me was what happened in the second set.”
In the second set, Gauff’s serve was briefly tested. She hit three double faults in the opening game, and then followed it up with another three in the very next game. Austin noted that it was clear from her body language that Gauff was frustrated, even glancing up at her support team in the stands. However, what impressed Austin was how Gauff managed to stay calm despite the errors. The young American didn’t let the setbacks derail her focus, and she was able to regain her composure to hold serve and continue executing the game plan effectively.
“This was a really tough match to play, not only because she was facing Świątek, but also because the conditions were unpredictable, and Gauff had to weather a few streaky moments,” Austin explained. “But in the end, Coco showed real mental fortitude. It’s not easy to keep your cool against someone like Iga Świątek, who can turn up the pressure at any moment. But Coco did just that.”
For Świątek, the loss to Gauff was a difficult one, especially considering she has had limited match play since the US Open. The Polish star has faced her own set of challenges in recent weeks, including an early loss to Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals of the US Open and a coaching change. Świątek, who has been widely regarded as one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour in recent years, has been dealing with an adjustment period both on and off the court. Despite her champion pedigree, it was clear that she was not in top form against Gauff, as she struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match.
“I think Iga’s struggles are partly mental,” Austin added. “She hasn’t played since the US Open, and she’s working with a new coach. Those adjustments can take time. It’s clear she’s going through a transition phase right now, and facing an in-form player like Coco only amplifies that.”
Despite Świątek’s issues, there’s no denying that Gauff’s victory was a statement win. Not only did it help propel her to the later stages of the WTA Finals, but it also demonstrated how far she has come in terms of her mental game and overall tennis maturity. The 20-year-old American has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but this match revealed a new level of poise and tactical understanding that will only make her more dangerous in the years to come.
As the WTA Finals draw closer to their business end, Coco Gauff will be one of the players to watch. With her victory over Świątek, she has proven that she is not just a promising talent but a legitimate contender for the biggest titles in women’s tennis. The next few days in Riyadh could see her continue her meteoric rise. With her improved serve, heightened control, and newfound calm under pressure, Coco Gauff has shown that she is more than ready to compete with the best—and perhaps even dethrone them in the process.