Coco Gauff displayed remarkable resilience as she rallied from a set and a break down to claim victory over Zheng Qinwen in the WTA Finals, which took place in Saudi Arabia. In a gripping match that extended beyond three hours, Gauff emerged triumphant with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2).
At just 20 years old, Gauff’s win marks her as the youngest champion of the tournament since Maria Sharapova two decades ago and the youngest American to achieve this since Serena Williams in 2001.
“This means a lot to me,” said a proud Gauff, the third seed, who takes home a record-setting prize of $4.8 million (£3.7 million), which is the highest ever awarded in women’s professional tennis. She emphasized the significance of her win, noting, “This is the first professional women’s tennis event here in Saudi Arabia and I’ll forever be etched in history in that standard.”
Reflecting on her performance, Gauff expressed, “That was a great match. I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up.” Her journey to the finals also saw her become the youngest player to reach the championship match at the WTA Finals since Caroline Wozniacki did so in 2010.
This victory not only highlights Gauff’s talent and perseverance on the court but also represents a significant milestone for women’s sports in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the increasing opportunities for female athletes globally. Gauff’s historic win inspires a new generation of players and signifies a bright future for women in tennis.
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