Coco Gauff showed real grit as she battled past the double faults to defeat Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals.
The American displayed impressive resolve to secure her second victory in 13 encounters with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals.
In the opening set, she missed several early break-point chances but eventually broke twice to take it 6-3.
Swiatek, who has only played twice since the US Open, showed signs of rust, struggling to find her rhythm in key moments.
The second set was marked by frequent errors and breaks of serve from both players, with neither able to fully settle into a groove.
Having exchanged a handful of sprayed forehands in the final game, a decisive error came off the Pole’s racquet as she handed Coco Gauff the break and the match.
Coco Gauff recounts nervy final game after forehand errors
Gauff’s resilience and ability to capitalize on Swiatek’s inconsistency were crucial in overcoming the world number two.
This hard-fought victory marked a significant achievement for Gauff, signalling her ability to challenge both her own resolve, as well as one of her toughest rivals of her young career.
Speaking about her forehand – a problem she has sought to address with new coach Matt Daly – Gauff said: “Honestly just really from the ground and the return of serve. The first set I think I had three straight games in a row with break points and I didn’t let that discourage me.
“Even in the last game I missed two forehand returns and I told myself it’s okay I’ll get the next one and I did,” the 20-year-old explained.
| Player | Winners | Unforced Errors | Aces | Double-Faults |
| Coco Gauff | 10 | 33 | 2 | 11 |
| Iga Swiatek | 15 | 47 | 1 | 2 |
Gauff ended the match with 10 winners to 33 unforced errors, 11 of those coming as double-faults – an issue that began to visibly address the American throughout, with three coming in a single game.
While Swiatek outdid her in winners, hitting 15, her 47 unforced errors hit home an understandable lack of match sharpness.
- READ MORE: Laura Robson so impressed with what Coco Gauff has done recently following US Open disappointment
Coco Gauff can go on to win the WTA finals
With Aryna Sabalenka securing the year-end number one ranking following Swiatek’s defeat, the spotlight is largely on her. However, Gauff feels the one to watch for the WTA Finals title.
Gauff recently faced Sabalenka in Wuhan, where she managed to push the Belarusian to a deciding set, even with a challenging 21 double faults – an unwanted WTA record for 2024.
That performance still showed Gauff’s tenacity and ability to compete under pressure, proving she can go toe-to-toe with the Australian and US Open.
While Sabalenka’s form may seem unmatched, Gauff has the unique combination of power and resilience needed to mount a serious challenge.
If she can stay composed and bank on a slightly more reliable forehand and serve, Gauff looks well-positioned to contend for the WTA Finals crown.
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