Coco Gauff made history on Saturday by clinching her first WTA Finals title after a thrilling three-set victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old American overcame a strong challenge from Zheng, ultimately winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2).
Gauff’s win marks her as the youngest champion of the prestigious season-ending tournament since Maria Sharapova in 2004, and the first American to lift the trophy since Serena Williams a decade ago.
The match was a rollercoaster, with Zheng, 22, showcasing impressive skill to take the first set 6-3 and leading 2-0 in the second. Gauff fought back fiercely, taking four consecutive games to lead 5-3. Although Zheng broke back in the ninth game, Gauff held her nerve to close out the second set at 6-4.
The final set was a nail-biter, with both players exchanging breaks and pushing the match into a tiebreak. Gauff dominated the tiebreak, racing to a 6-0 lead before sealing her victory at 7-2.
“I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up,” Gauff said after the match. “It was a really great match. Qinwen played some unbelievable tennis. I was just telling myself, ‘It’s another point, another chance.’ I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around.”
Zheng, finishing as the runner-up in her first WTA Finals appearance, matched the best result achieved by any Chinese player at the tournament, equaling the record set by Li Na. She has also secured her place as world No. 5.
“It’s not a bad match,” Zheng reflected. “There were a lot of chances during the match, especially since I was mostly leading, and I gave the chance away. But, you know, it’s tennis—it sometimes can happen. Nothing to say. You come back, you put your energy on, and then come back for next time.”
Reference(s):
Coco Gauff edges Zheng Qinwen to win her first WTA Finals title
cgtn.com
