According to seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin: “Coco Gauff has the resilience to win multiple big titles in her career”

A stunning victory at the WTA Finals signals Gauff’s comeback and highlights her resilience amid scrutiny
Coco Gauff has taken the tennis world by storm with her recent victory, clinching her first WTA Finals title after overcoming Zheng Qinwen in a nail-biting clash. This remarkable achievement has turned heads, not only within the sport but also beyond, highlighting her growth, resilience, and the sheer talent she possesses at just 20 years old.

The setting for Gauff’s triumph was the WTA Finals hosted in Saudi Arabia, where she battled through her nerves and fatigue to secure the championship with scores of 3-6, 6-4, and 7-6 (7-2). This lengthy, three-hour match showcased her ability to bounce back from adversity, firmly establishing her as the youngest player since Maria Sharapova to win this prestigious tournament.

Gauff’s path leading to this victory was dynamic, kicking off her year with a strong win at the Auckland Open and reaching the semifinals of both the Australian Open and the French Open. Yet, as is often the case with such high stakes, the year wasn’t without its challenges. After impressive starts, she faced tough rounds, getting knocked out early at Wimbledon and the US Open, where her serve issues became painfully obvious. Particularly at the US Open, she committed 19 double faults against Emma Navarro, leading to her early exit.

Following the disappointments, Gauff made some significant changes, splitting with her longtime coach Brad Gilbert and teaming up with Matt Daly. This decision seems to have paid off enormously, as she quickly rediscovered her winning form, capturing the title at the China Open before rising to fame at the WTA Finals.

Her victory at the WTA Finals came at the end of what could have been viewed as a tumultuous season. Many critics were ready to label the year as underwhelming for Gauff, but she silenced them all with her performance. “I’m not going to let anybody write me off,” Gauff declared post-match, expressing immense gratitude for her supporters and reflecting on how the hours of hard work and dedication led her to this monumental win. “Getting to win the last tournament of the season and it also being my second biggest title of my career so far is insane. All glory to God,” she continued.

Her achievements drew praise from some of the sport’s greats, including former World No. 1 Justine Henin, who emphasized Gauff’s resilience as the key trait propelling her to greater heights. “She has the capacity to bounce back, and that’s the sign of a potentially very big future,” Henin remarked, highlighting Gauff’s tenacity and heart during the final match.