Coco Gauff secured her first WTA Finals title in Riyadh, defeating Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set match. The 20-year-old American rallied from a 3-6, 1-3 deficit to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. Gauff also claimed a record $4.8 million prize, marking a historic victory in women’s tennis.
Coco Gauff made history on November 9, 2024, by winning the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set final. The 20-year-old American overcame a challenging start, rallying from a 3-6, 1-3 deficit to secure a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) victory after three hours and four minutes of intense play. The match, the second-longest WTA final of 2024, saw Gauff battle back from multiple breaks down, showcasing her resilience.
This victory marks a major milestone for Gauff, who became the youngest player in two decades to win the prestigious title, 20 years after Maria Sharapova’s win in 2004. Gauff’s performance was particularly impressive given her victories over the world’s top two players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, leading up to the final.
As part of her win, Gauff took home a record $4.8 million prize, the largest ever at a professional tour event. Despite the immense payout, she expressed surprise, stating she wasn’t aware of the sum but was excited by the recognition it brought.
Zheng, the 22-year-old Olympic champion, finished her breakthrough 2024 season on a high, rising to a career-high world No. 5. While disappointed with the loss, Zheng reflected on the match’s closeness, emphasizing the importance of key decisions made on the court.
