In an intense three-hour showdown on Saturday, Coco Gauff made a remarkable comeback to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2). With this victory, she became the youngest player to clinch the WTA Finals title in two decades and the first American victor since Serena Williams ten years ago.
At 20 years old, Gauff took command of the final set tiebreak with a dominant 6-0 lead, ultimately securing the win and celebrating on the court as she achieved the year-end world number three ranking for the second consecutive year. This match marked the longest final at the WTA Finals since records began in 2008.
Gauff expressed her joy, saying, “I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up.” Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Zheng, who was seeded seventh and participating in her first WTA Finals, claimed the opening set in just under an hour by saving all five break points against her.
Although Zheng initially led 3-1 in the second set, Gauff mounted a comeback by breaking Zheng’s serve without conceding a point in the sixth game. She then converted another break point in the eighth game, with both players exchanging breaks to conclude the set.
Zheng initially put the American on the defensive in the third set, with Gauff facing a break twice and nearly losing as Zheng served for the match at 5-4. However, a series of four unforced errors by Zheng allowed Gauff to even the score, and she then controlled the tiebreak. “It was an amazing match. Qinwen played exceptionally well,” remarked Gauff, the third seed. “I kept reminding myself, ‘it’s another point, another chance’. I’ve been in similar situations before and managed to come back… and I did it again today.” In May, Gauff also triumphed over Zheng in their only previous encounter, securing victory in the Italian Open quarter-finals held in Rome. Earlier, Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealander Erin Routliffe overcame Czech Katerina Siniakova and American Taylor Townsend 7-5, 6-3 in the doubles final. This win was particularly satisfying for Dabrowski and Routliffe, avenging their loss to Siniakova and Townsend in this year’s Wimbledon final. YOUNGEST PLAYER Gauff’s success in Riyadh marked a remarkable week, as she became the youngest player in 18 years to defeat both the world number one and number two at a tournament, a feat last achieved by Russian Sharapova at the 2006 U.S. Open.
The American became the youngest victor of the WTA Finals since Sharapova’s success in 2004. During the group stage, Gauff faced a defeat against Barbora Krejcikova but secured victories over fellow American Jessica Pegula and the defending champion, world number two Iga Swiatek, concluding with a 2-1 record in the Orange section. She then delivered a surprising victory against the top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
This season, Gauff has reached the semi-finals at both the Australian Open and French Open, claimed victory at the China Open in Beijing, and advanced to the semi-finals in Wuhan. After Zheng’s initial loss to Sabalenka at the WTA Finals, she triumphed over fifth seed Elena Rybakina and fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini, finishing second in the purple group before defeating Wimbledon champion Krejcikova in the semi-finals. Zheng became only the second Chinese player to reach the WTA Finals’ final match, following Li Na’s achievement in 2013.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who attended tonight. It’s been a long week. Thanks to all the staff and my team because you all strive to keep me healthy,” Zheng remarked.
I’ve played numerous matches this year, yet I continue to fight on the court. This is all thanks to your support; I wouldn’t be here without it. Congratulations to the champion on securing your first title at this venue. Wishing you a brilliant future ahead.
