Although Coco Gauff was eliminated at the WTA finals, the 19-year old still
continues to have aspirations of winning the season-ending tournament one day.
Gauff’s journey prior to the WTA finals
Last year, Gauff had a rough stint at the WTA finals, as she failed to win a single set and finished with a losing record of 0-3.
This year, though, proved to be different.
Gauff had an incredible start to her season before the WTA finals, winning the ASB Classic in Auckland in January; the Citi Open and the Cincinnati Masters both in August ; and, of course, her first-career grand slam, the US Open.
As a result, she quickly established herself as the top-ranked American in the WTA rankings, peaking at third place, behind only the number-one-ranked Iga Swiatek and the number-two-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.
Coco Gauff had the breakthrough of her life on the North American Hardcourts this summer.
• 51-15 Record
• US Open Champion (1st GS Title)
• Cincy Champion (1st WTA 1000 Title)
• Titles in Washington and Auckland
• 24-4 Record Post-Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/kLfEsYimJU— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates24) November 5, 2023
For Gauff, who was only 19, winning these titles and ranking that high in the budding stage of her career was impressive.
And, as the teenager headed into the season-ending competition in Cancun, she was one of the favorites to win the championship.
Gauff’s semi-final exit at WTA finals
Last week, Coco Gauff began her WTA Finals campaign with a dominant performance, trouncing her Tunisian opponent, sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur, in a 6-0, 6-1match that lasted just 57 minutes.
“I’m just happy,” Gauff said, “to finally get a win here in this event.”
And with another 5-7, 7-6(4),6-3 win against Márketa Vondroušová, Gauff was able to qualify for the semi-finals.
Because of this, Gauff now holds the distinction of being the youngest player to win a WTA final match and advance to the semi-finals since Caroline Wozniacki 14 years ago. Another record that shows how good a player Gauff is.
Her WTA finals run, however, was ended by fellow American and doubles partner Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals 6-2, 6-1.
Gauff: It’s definitely a dream
Despite failing to win the WTA finals for the second time, Gauff still hasn’t given up on her dreams of one day winning the tournament.
Despite her preference for winning grand slam competitions, Gauff stated in an interview that she still dreams of conquering the “very challenging” WTA finals.
Via The Tennis Letter: “It would be cool to win it. To be honest, as a kid, I always dreamt of winning Grand Slams. I think as I’ve grown as a pro on tour, I learned more about what the WTA Finals is about. I’d definitely say that would be a goal of mine now, after competing in it for 2 years and realizing this is the best of the best,” said Gauff.
“I do think I can improve. It would definitely be a dream. If I had to choose, I’d rather win another Slam. But it’s definitely a dream. I think this tournament is one of the most challenging. Not only because it’s the Top 8, but because it’s the end of the season,” she added.
Coco Gauff says it would be a dream to win the WTA Finals in the future:
“It would be cool to win it. To be honest, as a kid, I always dreamt of winning Grand Slams. I think as I’ve grown as a pro on tour, I learned more about what the WTA Finals is about. I’d definitely say… pic.twitter.com/jcSeVPaKi8
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 7, 2023
As the women’s tennis season came to a close, Gauff posted a short message in her X and Instagram account, saying that she saw both her darkest and brightest moments this year and that she’s proud of what she’s achieved so far.
Via Gauff’s Instagram: “2023 season is officially over. hard to sum of this season in a few words. I saw my darkest and brightest days of my life this year. I probably grew enough for 10 lifetimes between January & now lol. I usually don’t say this but I am learning to be nicer to myself haha (I get questioned all the time by family, press, and y’all for not saying this) but yes I AM proud of myself. I am proud of the resilience showed. They really tried to count me out but it is all in God’s plan and His timing.❤️”
2023 is season officially over. hard to sum of this season in a few words. I saw my darkest and brightest days of my life this year. I am proud of myself. God’s plan❤️ pic.twitter.com/tpOlOC4Vgh
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 6, 2023