Tim Henman outlined what Coco Gauff was able to change in the second set to produce a comeback win in the WTA Finals.
The World number three secured her third and final title of 2024 with a monumental victory over Qinwen Zheng in Saturday’s championship match.
The American was two points away from defeat when the Chinese player served for the championship at 3-5.
But Coco Gauff showed her incredible fighting spirit to fight back and despite losing two match points while up 6-5, she produced a solid tiebreak to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 victory in three hours and four minutes.
Tim Henman explains what changed for Coco Gauff in the second set against Qinwen Zheng in the WTA Finals
Gauff found herself behind on multiple occasions against Zheng.
The 20-year-old trailed in the second set, and was a break down on two occasions in the third set, where Zheng served for the match at 5-4.
The turning point came in set two when Gauff rallied from a break down in the second set, before breaking serve to level the match.
When asked how Gauff turned the tables, Tim Henman told Sky: “It’s a difficult one. I think Zheng just got a little bit reactive. From 3-3 in the first set to up a break in the second set she was aggressive and staying patient and looking to dictate and play the tennis on her terms.
“But once Zheng was up 3-1 that’s when the pressure was slightly because she’s behind in the count and she has less expectations.
“I think she played with a little bit more freedom, got a little bit more aggressive, cut out the unforced errors and then Zheng at the other end of the court was reacting rather than dictating.”
Coco Gauff achieves 10-year first after winning WTA finals
Gauff became the first American woman to win the WTA Finals since Serena Williams in 2014.
She ends her 2024 season as the World number three despite some difficult results over the summer at Wimbledon, the Paris Olympics and the North American hard court swing.
The fluctuations of the WTA Finals championship match perhaps optimises Gauff’s season, and it also showcased her mental toughness and fighting spirit.
“It’s incredible, we can do deep dives into the techniques, on the second serve, the forehand, the game styles, but at the end of the day that just sums up the heart and desire of a champion,” Henman added.
“She should’ve lost on numerous occasions, but she just refuses to give in, and it’s that resilience, add to that the athletic ability, to keep running down balls and never doubting herself, so it’s a phenomenal achievement, and I think a very fitting way for this championships to finish.
“Now it’s here the competition has been absolutely fantastic. Just over three hours, 7-6 in the final set, two phenomenal players going head-to-head, and a very worthy winner.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
