In addition to winning the 2023 US Open, Coco Gauff defeated Qinwen Zheng to win the WTA Finals.
After defeating Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng in a thrilling season-ending match, she becomes the youngest player to win the WTA Finals in 20 years.
Gauff, who was two points from defeat, sealed a stunning 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) victory against Olympic champion Zheng in one of the matches of the year.
After struggling during the North American hard-court swing, the former US Open champion turned her luck by playing some of her best tennis ever. She defeated reigning champion Iga Swiatek and upset an uncoordinated Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the final.
She also became the youngest winner at the end-of-season event since Maria Sharapova in 2004 and the first American champion since Serena Williams ten years ago.
The 20-year-old was two points away from losing at one point and rallied from deficits of 2-0 and 5-3 in the final set.
Although Zheng threatened a comeback, Gauff sealed the victory with a forehand winner at the net after three hours and four minutes of fierce action. However, she took the set to a tie-breaker, winning the first six points.
Gauff acknowledged that defeating Zheng in the WTA Finals showpiece was difficult, but she gave her opponent credit for a fantastic match.
“It was a really great match. Qinwen played some unbelievable tennis,” Gauff told Sky Sports Tennis. “I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up.
“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… and was able to do it again.”
Gauff also thanked her team and family during her on-court speech, saying:
“I’d to thank my team. It’s been a long season. I want to say thank you. This week has been so fun. Win or lose, I always have a good time with you guys. Thank you to my parents. My mum is here. My dad is watching at home… my brother… my grandparents. Thank you to the man above for allowing me to be here.”
Zheng was trying to wrap up a season in which she won China’s first Olympic tennis singles gold medal and made her first Grand Slam final appearance at the Australian Open.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who came tonight and enjoyed this tennis match,” said runner-up Zheng. And thank you to my team, you try to keep me healthy. I’ve been through a lot of matches this year, but am still out on court fighting. I wish it to be better in the future.
Congrats to the champion. It’s the first time you are champion here and I wish you a great future.”
