Coco Gauff displayed remarkable resilience to overcome a set and break deficit against Zheng Qinwen, capturing the season-ending WTA Finals title in Saudi Arabia.
The American, just 20 years old, triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) in a thrilling three-hour showdown, becoming the youngest player to claim the title since Maria Sharapova twenty years ago and the youngest American since Serena Williams in 2001.
“This means a lot to me,” Gauff, the third seed, shared after the win, earning a record-breaking $4.8 million prize. “This is the first professional women’s tennis event in Saudi Arabia, and it’s an honor to be part of history.”
Gauff’s journey to the final in Riyadh was historic. She reached the championship match as the youngest competitor since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010, toppling both world number one Aryna Sabalenka and number two Iga Swiatek along the way. Gauff piled early pressure on Zheng in the final, setting the stage for an intense back-and-forth battle.
In their second-ever meeting, Zheng initially took the upper hand, seizing the first set after capitalizing on Gauff’s unforced errors. However, Gauff fought back, breaking Zheng three times in the second set to force a decider.
The third set saw both players exchange breaks until Zheng, appearing to regain control, served for the match. But a series of errors allowed Gauff back in, and she went on to dominate the tiebreak, clinching her third title of the year.
Reflecting on the season, Gauff noted her journey despite not reaching a Grand Slam final, with semi-final finishes at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. She admitted previous concerns about playing in Saudi Arabia but expressed optimism for more events in the country.
A Breakthrough Year for Zheng
Though the WTA Finals ended in defeat, 2024 has been a milestone year for Zheng. The 22-year-old reached her first Grand Slam final in Australia and made history in Paris by winning China’s first Olympic singles gold medal. Her achievements this season, including defending her title at the Palermo Ladies Open, have cemented her spot in the top five as she heads into 2025.
“It hurts to lose, but I need to move forward,” Zheng said, looking ahead to her next season.
Earlier in Riyadh, Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski captured the doubles title, overcoming Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 6-3, in a rematch of their Wimbledon final.
Source: BBC Sports.
