Coco Gauff’s Remarkable Turnaround
From Tailspin to Triumph: Gauff Claims Maiden WTA Finals Title and Delivers United Cup to Americans
Coco Gauff will begin her Australian Open campaign on a high next week, after riding a rollercoaster 2024 to claim her maiden WTA Finals title and deliver the United Cup to the Americans in pristine form.
A Remarkable Turnaround
It has been a remarkable turnaround for the 20-year-old, who only a few months ago appeared to be in a tailspin. She exited early from Toronto and Cincinnati and her New York title defence ended in the fourth round with a staggering 19 double faults. Yet, she flipped the script only weeks later, parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert before beating US Open semi-finalist Karolina Muchova to win the China Open in October, as she told reporters she had changed her mindset.
A New Mindset
"I’m realising more and more each day that tennis is not a measure of my value as a person. I think the more you realise that, the more relaxed these tournaments become," Gauff said. "I’m still going to experience pressure. It’s easier said than done."
Confidence and Success
That cool calm was on display at November’s WTA Finals, where she overcame her key antagonist Iga Swiatek – with the Pole having triumphed in all but one of their 12 prior meetings – and the world number one Aryna Sabalenka en route to the final. She kept her nerve to come back from a set down against the Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and offered a cheeky message on social media after hoisting the trophy: "Safe to say I beat the bad season allegations."
Starting the New Year Strong
Gauff showed no sign of letting off the gas in the New Year, as she skipped Auckland – a tournament she won twice before – to kick off her season at the United Cup, reasoning that the team event offered a higher level of competition. She got just that, as she faced Swiatek again in a highly anticipated final showdown on Sunday and rose to the occasion, winning in straight sets. She told reporters in Sydney that it was one of the best performances of her career.
Australian Open Expectations
"Obviously this start of the season gives me a lot of confidence. I feel like when I’m playing confident tennis, I’m playing great tennis. I definitely feel confident going into AO," Gauff said. With eight of her nine career singles titles coming on the hard court and momentum on her side, her US fans will expect nothing but her best in Melbourne Park after she reached the semi-final stage a year ago.
Conclusion
Coco Gauff’s remarkable turnaround has put her in a strong position to make a deep run at the Australian Open. Her newfound confidence and ability to adapt to different situations will be key to her success in Melbourne.
FAQs
Q: How did Coco Gauff’s 2024 season start?
A: It started with early exits from Toronto and Cincinnati, followed by a title win in the China Open.
Q: What was the turning point for Gauff?
A: Parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert and changing her mindset, recognising that tennis is not a measure of her value as a person.
Q: How did Gauff perform in the WTA Finals?
A: She won the title, overcoming Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka en route to the final, and kept her nerve to come back from a set down against Zheng Qinwen.
Q: What are Gauff’s expectations for the Australian Open?
A: She is confident and expects to play great tennis, having won eight of her nine career singles titles on the hard court.