Coco Gauff added yet another big trophy to her collection, but she was still mostly happy about the season being finally over.
The 20-year-old American super-talent entered the 2024 WTA Finals since she was among the eight best players this year. At the end of the tournament, she was the only one standing, lifting the trophy high above her head.
Gauff reached the final after wins over Jessica Pegula, 6-3, 6-2, and Iga Swiatek, 6-3, 6-4, in the round-robin stage, and a semi-final win over Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6(4), 6-3.
In the final, the youngest player in the competition bested the second-youngest player competing when she outplayed Qinwen Zheng to lift the year-end championship title.
It was a big triumph for Gauff, who had to fight for every single point in the final match. It was a three-hour battle, which she ended u winning 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2).
The 2023 US Open champion couldn't hide her excitement after the last rally was played, dropping to the floor to celebrate her great achievement. She was overwhelmed by emotions, and it was the best possible way for her to end this season.
At times, it looked like it wasn't going well for her, but she had almost a perfect end to it, winning the China Open and also adding the WTA Finals title, which significantly boosted her points total after she lost the vast majority of her 2,000 points for winning the US Open last year.
Following her victory, still on the tennis court, Gauff spoke to SkySports about her feelings, saying that she was very happy that the season was finally over, especially after having to play over a three-hour match.
"I’m tired, first and foremost. Happy the season is over. It was a great match. Qinwen played really great tennis. I was trying my best to hang in there and never gave up."
It was a match full of twists and turns, and at one point, the Chinese player was only two points away from winning the match. Zheng led 5-3 in the third set, and she was up 30-15 on Gauff's serve, but it was not enough for her to seal the title.
Following the win, Gauff was asked whether she ever doubted herself during the match since she was so close to losing it. The American player said that she never had a single thought of doubt, always believing that she could win.
"No. Sometimes, you think that a little bit, but you push that thought away. I was telling myself, ‘Another point, another chance’. I’ve been in situations like this in the past and been able to turn it around, so I knew that I could do it again today."
Gauff will now enjoy well-deserved rest, as she won't compete at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Fans will, therefore, have to wait until the end of the year to see her again, as the American player will start her season at the 2025 United Cup, which will start already in December this year.