Coco Gauff enjoyed a tremendous season highlighted by her year-long presence in the world's Top 10 and achieved some important milestones in 2023.
It was a season that began on a winning note at the WTA 250 event in Auckland, overcoming the disappointment of losing some key personnel in her coaching team and crowning her season with a maiden Grand Slam.
Within a 12-month stretch, it is hard to pick another name as the WTA's most improved performer. Gauff compiled a 51-16 record for the season and won four titles. It was her career-best year on tour by a mile. So how did she do it?
Year-End Ranking: 3rd
Coco Gauff attained a career-best ranking of World No. 3 after the conclusion of the US swing. It was the perfect summer for the 19-year-old who became the youngest American player to win the US Open since Serena Williams over two decades ago.
Gauff's breakthrough success in New York was the culmination of a dominant run across tournaments on home soil. She won her first WTA 500 (Washington) and WTA 1000 (Cincinnati) titles in the build-up.
Additionally, the American young phenom forged the WTA's longest winning streak of 2023 between her triumph in Cincinnati and her quarterfinal run at the China Open - 16 matches on the trot.
Gauff eventually surpassed her good friend and doubles partner Jessica Pegula in the rankings to become the USA No. 1, peaking at a career-high mark of No. 3.
Season's Accomplishments: First Grand Slam, Second-Most Trophies In 2023
Coco Gauff was the toast of the home fans at the US Open, becoming the first American player to win the New York Slam since 2017. By the time she navigated the first week, coupled with the elimination of Iga Swiatek, the fans started to dream of a storybook ending.
Gauff then produced a performance of poise and perseverance in the final and deflated Aryna Sabalenka to win the title. It was her biggest win, and the decision to bring Brad Gilbert on board was vindicated. Gauff finished the season with the second-most singles trophies (four).
The 19-year-old became the third-highest earner in prize money in 2023, behind Swiatek and Sabalenka, pocketing $6,669,622. During the course of the season, she crossed the $10 million mark in career earnings.
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