Coco Gauff has reached another milestone in her career by defeating Aryna Sabalenka to secure a spot in the final of the WTA Finals for the first time. Gauff’s journey to this moment caps off an impressive season, underscoring her growth and persistence on the WTA Tour.
The 20-year-old American has continued to solidify her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars in 2024. Her achievements this year include capturing two titles and achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 3. Gauff’s resilience and determination have been on full display throughout the season, marked by both triumphs and challenges at the Grand Slam level.
Gauff’s campaign at the Majors in 2024 showcased her consistent ability to compete among the elite. She reached the semi-finals of the French Open, where she ultimately fell to eventual champion Iga Swiatek. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, it was a testament to Gauff’s formidable skills on clay and her ability to challenge the world’s best on the sport’s biggest stages.
However, the year wasn’t without its hurdles. Gauff, who captured the US Open title as a teenager in 2023, was unable to replicate that success, exiting in the fourth round of this year’s tournament. The early defeat was a wake-up call for Gauff and her team, prompting a significant decision regarding her coaching staff. After the US Open, Gauff parted ways with Brad Gilbert and brought Matt Daly on board as her new coach. The move paid immediate dividends. Under Daly’s guidance, Gauff quickly rebounded, securing the biggest title of her season by winning the prestigious China Open in October. In that final, she dispatched Karolina Muchova in straight sets, capturing her second career WTA 1000 trophy.
Gauff’s strong run in 2024 ensured her qualification for the WTA Finals, where she displayed her prowess once again. She advanced to the semi-finals after impressive victories over compatriot Jessica Pegula and top-ranked Iga Swiatek, setting the stage for a showdown with Sabalenka. The semi-final match against the Belarusian was no easy task. Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play, tested Gauff’s composure and defensive skills. Yet, Gauff’s athleticism and tenacity proved decisive. The 7-6, 6-3 victory was a testament to her ability to withstand pressure and rise to the occasion.
Former British tennis player Tim Henman, speaking to Sky Sports, highlighted the key factors that led to Gauff’s success in the semi-final. “It is just such an admirable quality of Gauff that she finds a way to get the job done,” Henman said. “Sabalenka was throwing everything at her, but she keeps responding. Her athletic ability and her ability to use her speed and ask her opponent to hit one more shot, I think that really was the difference today.” Henman also noted that despite the straight-sets victory, the match was far more intense than the scoreline suggested. “It was such a tight match,” he added. “The scoreline says it was straight sets but it felt like an epic.”
Now, Gauff stands on the brink of another major accomplishment as she prepares to face China’s rising star Qinwen Zheng in the WTA Finals championship match. Both players will be making their debut in the final, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the tour’s most exciting talents.
Zheng has had a standout season herself, highlighted by her gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, where she defeated Swiatek en route to the title. She followed up her Olympic success with strong performances in Asia, reaching the semi-finals in Beijing and the final of the Wuhan Open, where she was narrowly defeated by Sabalenka. Zheng’s momentum continued with another title win in Tokyo, marking an extraordinary run as she arrived at the WTA Finals in top form.
The final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is expected to be a tightly contested battle, with no clear favorite emerging. While Gauff’s status as a Grand Slam champion brings a level of prestige and experience, Zheng’s recent successes and fearless approach make her a formidable opponent. The outcome may well come down to which player can better manage their nerves and minimize errors. For Gauff, controlling her serve and limiting double faults will be key to maintaining the upper hand.
Both Gauff and Zheng have demonstrated throughout the year that they are capable of rising to the challenge and delivering their best when it matters most. Tennis fans can expect a captivating finale as these two young stars vie for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Whether Gauff’s speed and tenacity or Zheng’s relentless attack prevails, it is clear that the future of women’s tennis is in excellent hands. The WTA Finals championship match promises to be a showcase of athleticism, skill, and determination as both players aim to cap off their stellar seasons with a career-defining victory.