Coco Gauff capped off her stellar 2024 season with a remarkable victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, overcoming China’s Zheng Qinwen in an electrifying three-hour contest. The 20-year-old American showcased extraordinary resilience and skill, winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) to secure her first WTA Finals title. The emotionally charged victory left Gauff overwhelmed as she dropped to the court in disbelief upon converting match point. The triumph marks a historic moment in her career and solidifies her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars.
The championship match was a thrilling display of athleticism, mental fortitude, and competitive spirit. Zheng Qinwen, the top-ranked Chinese player, came out firing on all cylinders. She applied pressure from the start, breaking Gauff midway through the first set to seize the advantage. Zheng’s powerful groundstrokes and precise serving allowed her to dominate early on, taking the first set 6-3. As the match progressed, it seemed Zheng was on her way to clinching the title, especially as she served for the championship at 5-4 in the second set.
However, Gauff’s refusal to back down became the defining storyline of the match. Facing the prospect of defeat, she displayed grit and tenacity, breaking back to keep her hopes alive. The momentum shifted as Gauff leveled the match, capturing the second set 6-4. The intensity of the battle continued into the deciding set, with both players exchanging blows in long, grueling rallies. Zheng again had a chance to close out the match, serving at 5-4, but Gauff mounted another astonishing comeback. She broke Zheng’s serve and then fended off two match points to force a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Gauff showcased her composure and determination, racing to a 6-0 lead. Though Zheng managed to win two points, Gauff ultimately secured the victory on her second match point. The American’s triumph triggered an outpouring of emotions as she fell to the floor, overcome by the magnitude of her achievement. After the match, Gauff warmly congratulated her opponent and shared a touching moment with the chair umpire.
During the trophy presentation, Gauff reflected on her unexpected celebration. “At the end of the match, when I fell on the floor, I didn’t think I was going to do that. I kind of made a promise to myself that I would only save that for Grand Slams,” she revealed. “But honestly, with the way the match went, I was like, ‘I’m just tired. I just want to lay on the ground.’” The raw and genuine nature of Gauff’s reaction resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting the emotional toll of her hard-fought victory.
Winning the WTA Finals earned Gauff a historic payout, underscoring the significance of her achievement. She collected 1,500 ranking points and a record-breaking $4.805 million in prize money, the largest sum ever awarded in WTA Tour history. This eclipses the previous record of $4.42 million won by Ashleigh Barty at the 2019 WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China. Zheng, for her impressive runner-up performance, took home $2.305 million.
Gauff entered the year-end tournament as the third seed, and her journey to the title was nothing short of impressive. In the group stages, she defeated fellow top-ranked players Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka—all in straight sets—to earn her spot in the final. By winning the WTA Finals at just 20 years old, Gauff became the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova’s victory in 2004, cementing her status as a generational talent.
This victory caps off an exceptional season for the former US Open champion. In addition to her success in Riyadh, Gauff defended her title at the ASB Classic in Auckland and claimed her second WTA 1000 title at the China Open. Her consistency and dominance throughout the season will see her finish the year ranked as the World No. 3 for the second consecutive year.
Reflecting on her journey, Gauff’s 2024 season has been characterized by growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her triumph at the WTA Finals serves as a testament to her talent, mental toughness, and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As she looks ahead to future Grand Slams and high-profile tournaments, Gauff’s star continues to shine brightly, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with every match she plays.
Zheng Qinwen, for her part, also demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the WTA Finals, pushing Gauff to the brink in one of the season’s most captivating matches. While the result may have been heartbreaking for the Chinese No. 1, her performance in Riyadh showcased her as a formidable contender on the world stage. The rivalry between Gauff and Zheng promises to be one of many compelling chapters in the future of women’s tennis.