Coco Gauff captured the biggest victory of her young career on Saturday, November 9, defeating Zheng Qinwen to win the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. This monumental win not only cemented her place among the elite in women’s tennis but also earned her a historic payout, as the American walked away with over $4.8 million in prize money—the largest single payday in women’s tennis history. In a post-match press conference, Gauff admitted that she was unaware of the exact amount at stake, focusing solely on clinching the coveted title.
To reach the final, Gauff, seeded third in the tournament, displayed remarkable grit and skill. En route to the championship match, she overcame formidable opponents, including World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Her journey to the final was filled with tense moments and high-level competition, but Gauff proved that she was more than capable of rising to the challenge.
In the final, Gauff faced Zheng Qinwen, the surging Chinese player who has shown consistent brilliance throughout the season. The showdown in Riyadh did not disappoint, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle. Qinwen struck first, earning a critical break to take the opening set 6-3. It was a testament to her aggressive play and sharp baseline exchanges. However, Gauff, renowned for her resilience, fought back in the second set, trading breaks with Qinwen in a tense battle. A third consecutive break for Gauff ultimately swung the momentum in her favor, allowing her to level the match by winning the second set 6-4.
The deciding set turned into a marathon contest as both players refused to back down. Long rallies, powerful serves, and intense exchanges defined the match as neither competitor gave an inch. Ultimately, it came down to a nerve-wracking tiebreaker, and Gauff’s composure proved unshakable. With a 7-6(2) score in the tiebreaker, the 20-year-old secured her victory, becoming the youngest WTA Finals champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004. Gauff’s 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) triumph will be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches in the tournament’s history.
Reflecting on her victory during the press conference, Gauff expressed surprise upon learning the magnitude of her prize money. “I didn’t know, like I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know that much,” she said with a laugh. The previous record for WTA Finals prize money was set in 2019 when Ashleigh Barty earned $4.42 million. Gauff’s achievement, therefore, shattered previous records, underscoring both her skill and the significance of the event.
When asked about her plans for the windfall, Gauff revealed a mix of excitement and level-headedness. “Oh, it means a lot to me… I have bought a house… I’m going to a music festival next week,” she shared, adding, “So, I don’t know, I’m not someone who likes to spend a lot of money to be honest. I don’t know what I’ll do with it. That’s a lot of money.” Despite the payday, Gauff emphasized that her motivation for playing goes beyond monetary gain. “Honestly, I wanted to win this for myself. I didn’t know that it was the biggest prize check on this tour, I didn’t know anything about that,” she added, reaffirming her passion for the sport over financial rewards.
As the conversation turned to her on-court celebration, Gauff recounted the emotions that overwhelmed her as she secured the winning points in the grueling three-hour, four-minute final. Exhausted and elated, she collapsed to the ground in a moment of pure relief. “At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that,” she admitted. “I kind of, like, made a promise to myself that I will only save that for Grand Slams. But honestly, to the way the match went, I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.'”
The victory in Riyadh caps off a stellar year for Gauff, who will end the 2024 season ranked World No. 3. Aryna Sabalenka holds the top spot, followed by Iga Swiatek in second. Gauff’s impressive performances throughout the year, culminating in the WTA Finals win, reflect her growing maturity, skill, and determination to be one of the dominant forces in women’s tennis for years to come.
The triumph is a milestone not only for Gauff personally but also for women’s tennis, showcasing the depth of talent and competitiveness in the game today. With her powerful groundstrokes, tenacity, and poise under pressure, Coco Gauff continues to inspire fans and young athletes worldwide. As she heads into 2025, Gauff’s star is only expected to rise, and her victory in Riyadh serves as a powerful statement of what the future may hold for this tennis phenom.