Just Now: Gauff Slumps During Light Training; Hospitalised…

Coco Gauff ended her roller-coaster 2024 season the best way possible with a stunning WTA Finals win.

Gauff finished third in the WTA Rankings after her success in Riyadh, where she beat Qinwen Zheng in a mammoth clash that lasted over three hours.

It represented the American’s ninth WTA Tour singles title, and comes after Gauff struggled at various stages throughout the season.

Andy Roddick thinks people can be fast to criticise Gauff, who failed in her efforts to defend her US Open title in September.

The 20-year-old won her first and only Grand Slam title to date at the 2023 US Open, having lost the French Open final a year earlier.

Tennis fans left in shock as Coco Gauff begins preseason
But after various issues as the 2024 season went on, she decided a coaching change was necessary, with Matt Daly having come in for Brad Gilbert.

The duo have enjoyed immediate success at the China Open and WTA Finals, but many fans are now worried about Gauff after she confirmed her return to training, writing on X: “First day of preseason gives first day of school vibes.”

One fan was really shocked about such a quick return from the American, saying: “I thought you would take time off for the holidays!! Please rest up!! I want to watch you win Grand Slams and tournaments for many, many years to come!!”

Other concerned fans concurred, commenting: “The season just ended. You’re not tired?” and “Already?”

More worry arrived from other tennis fans, who said: “Preseason already is crazy” and “Off season is 45 minutes.”

Other shocked fans commented: “Preseason?? Did you get any time off?” and “I hate tennis’ schedule. The WTA Finals were 2 weeks ago.”

It is certainly a big shock that Gauff is back in action, with the 20-year-old having lifted the WTA Finals trophy on November 9.

She really does need to look after her body and indeed her mind, particularly given her age and all that she has been through already.

A return to preseason at this stage may, however, not involve a rigorous routine, with Gauff likely taking it very lightly and slowly at this moment in time.

But she will need to up the intensity in the near future, with the likes of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka certain to be preparing for strong starts to 2025.

The former will be desperate to regain her number one ranking, while the latter will be eager to stay there for as long as possible.

Challenges from the likes of Zheng and Jasmine Paolini are also certain to arrive, with the duo having really impressed this season.