Coco Gauff is among the star names of the women’s game in Saudi Arabia this week for the WTA Finals.
Gauff changed her serve ahead of the WTA Finals, and it looks to have worked, with the American beating Jessica Pegula in her opener.
The 20-year-old defeated Pegula 6-3, 6-2 in Riyadh, which is playing host to the year-end WTA Finals over the coming days.
Rennae Stubbs has tipped Gauff for success if she can fix her serving issues, which particularly came to the fore during her time with Brad Gilbert.
But she parted ways with the coach after the US Open, with Gauff going on to win the China Open under Matt Daly.
Coco Gauff emulates Maria Sharapova at the WTA Finals
The pair will now be eyeing success at the WTA Finals, with Gauff in good company as the tournament gets underway.
READ MORE: WTA Finals 2024: How to watch, prize money, dates, prediction and everything you need to know
As per The Tennis Letter, she is the first woman to reach three consecutive WTA Finals before turning 21 since Maria Sharapova, who achieved the feat from 2004-2007.
What is Coco Gauff’s Grand Slam record?
Gauff has achieved plenty despite being only 20, with the 2023 US Open title among her eight tour-level titles.
But she will be aiming for a better Grand Slam record in 2025, beginning with the Australian Open in January.
Gauff started the 2024 season well with semi-final finishes at the Australian Open and French Open, but they were followed by round of 16 exits at Wimbledon and the US Open.
Aside from her superb Flushing Meadows success last year, Gauff’s best Grand Slam finish is a runner-up spot at Roland Garros.
For now, however, Grand Slams will be at the back of her mind, with world number two Iga Swiatek up next in Riyadh.
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