Coco Gauff claimed her first WTA Finals title after surviving a remarkable fight from Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling final. The 2023 US Open champion trailed for much of the match but showed incredible resilience to secure a stunning win, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2).

Gauff, who becomes the youngest player to win the WTA Finals since Maria Sharapova in 2004, also finished the season ranked No. 3 in the world, behind only Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka. This marks Gauff’s second victory over Zheng, further cementing her rise in women’s tennis.

A Historic Final: Gauff vs. Zheng

At just 20 years old, Gauff and the 22-year-old Zheng made history by playing in the youngest WTA Finals final since Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in 2004. From the very start, Zheng faced an early break point on her serve but held her composure to survive. Gauff appeared more relaxed initially, creating three more break points in the fifth game. Zheng fought them off in thrilling rallies, saving two with impressive defensive play.

As the match progressed, both players showed no signs of weakness, and it seemed likely to extend to a tiebreak. However, at 4-4 in the first set, Gauff had a dip in consistency, handing Zheng three break points. A double fault from Gauff handed Zheng the advantage, and the Chinese player capitalized to take the set 6-3.

Gauff’s Resilience: A Turnaround in the Second Set

In the second set, Gauff’s frustration was palpable, knowing she had played well but lost the first set due to small errors. She broke early and quickly took a 2-0 lead, looking poised to even the match. But Zheng, who had shown impressive resolve, fought back.

At 1-3, Gauff found her rhythm and won 16 of the next 20 points, including four consecutive games, turning the score from 1-3 to 5-3 in her favor. Gauff served for the set but stumbled, squandering two set points. Zheng broke back to level at 5-5. However, Gauff remained composed, breaking Zheng once again to take the set 6-4 on her third set point.

A Thrilling Decider: Gauff Edges Zheng in a Tiebreak

The third set was a rollercoaster. Zheng capitalized on two double faults from Gauff in the first game, earning an early break and a 2-0 lead. However, Gauff responded by winning the next three games to take a 3-2 lead. Zheng then fought back, taking a 5-3 advantage and serving for the match.

But Gauff wasn’t done yet. Despite facing two match points on Zheng’s serve, Gauff held firm, saving both and eventually leveling at 5-5. The match then went to a tiebreak, marking the first time a WTA Finals champion was decided in a third-set tiebreak.

In the tiebreak, Gauff remained unshaken, playing an outstanding final game and closing the match with a dominant 7-2 score to claim the title 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2).

Zheng’s Inexperience and Gauff’s Composure

Undoubtedly, Zheng’s lack of experience in high-pressure situations played a role in the outcome. While Zheng made a series of unforced errors at crucial moments, Gauff showed remarkable composure, especially in the tiebreak. Her resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure were key to her historic win.

This thrilling final was a testament to the future of women’s tennis, as both Gauff and Zheng proved they are players to watch in the years to come.