Coco Gauff had a cheeky message for her doubters and critics following her first WTA Finals triumph, telling them that she was the one who had the last laugh.
On Saturday, the 20-year-old survived a three-hour thriller in the Riyadh final and edged out Zheng Qinwen 3-6 6-4 7-6 (2). A couple of times during the match, the American had her back turned against the wall but managed to come back and ultimately win.
After failing to land her second Grand Slam this year or do well at the Paris Olympics, some started labeling Gauff’s season as “bad.” But since making a post-US Open coaching change, the world No. 3 lifted her second WTA 1000 title in Beijing last month and now also won the prestigious season-ending tournament.
Now, the 20-year-old is a Grand Slam, WTA 1000, and WTA Finals champion.
“Lol safe to say I beat the bad season allegations,” Gauff wrote on X.
lol safe to say I beat the bad season allegations 😭🫣
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 10, 2024
Gauff: This is one is not dedicated to doubters but to my fans
While the American tennis star has a history of calling out her doubters following big wins and she did the same after her WTA Finals victory, she also gave a big shout-out to her fans and dedicated her latest accomplishment to those who supported her through rough times this year.
Coco Gauff© WTA Finals Riyadh/X – Fair Use
“Also, I know tend to focus on ‘doubters/haters’ but this one is really for all of my supporters! Ya’ll held it down for me win or lose! I thank you for that. I see you and I appreciate you. And I know some of you are a little bit petty like me so it does feel nice to silence them for a bit,” the world No. 3 noted.
muah 💋💜 Also, I know tend to focus on “doubters/haters” but this one is really for all of my supporters! Ya’ll held it down for me win or lose! I thank you for that. I see you and I appreciate you. And I know some of you are a little bit petty like me so it does feel nice to… pic.twitter.com/z3rRFCsFYl
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 10, 2024
In late October, American rapper Tyler, The Creator dropped a new album and mentioned Gauff: “(Expletive, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me.” When she heard about it, the 20-year-old couldn’t believe that she was getting a mention from one of the rapper in hip hop industry. And after her WTA Finals win, she noted that the rapper tried to warn her competition that she meant business.
“Tyler tried to tell ya’ll. In all seriousness, I’m so grateful for all the support the last few weeks. Getting to win the last tournament of the season and it also being my second biggest title of my career so far is insane. Wow WTA FINALS CHAMPION. All glory to God truthfully. I ‘m eternally grateful for the life I get to live and to have moments like this makes all of the hours/sacrifice I put into this worth it. time to rest for a little bit but then it’s back to grind for the year’s szn,” Gauff wrote on X.
tyler tried to tell ya’ll🤷🏾♀️🗣️
In all seriousness, I’m so grateful for all the support the last few weeks. Getting to win the last tournament of the season and it also being my second biggest title of my career so far is insane. Wow WTA FINALS CHAMPION🤯
All glory to God… pic.twitter.com/8ychjjG3Hm— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) November 10, 2024
Gauff admits she is happy that she can finally rest
After appearing in 71 matches this year, the 2023 US Open champion didn’t hide that she was elated that her season finally came to an end and that she could get some rest.
And her last match in 2024 was quite something since it lasted over three hours. Also, the 20-year-old was down by a set and a break in the second set before forcing a decider against Zheng. Then in the third set, the Chinese was twice up by a break and also had a chance to serve out for the title – but didn’t manage to do so.
“I’m tired and happy the season is over, it was a great match, Qinwen played great tennis, I tried my best to hang in there and I never gave up. I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around and I was so glad to do it again,” Gauff said on Sky Sports.
When it comes to Zheng, it was absolutely heartbreaking for her to lose the way she did. But still, it was a great season for the 22-year-old, who won the Paris Olympics this year and also made her first finals at the Grand Slam, WTA 1000 and WTA Finals levels.
“I want to congratulate Qinwen on an incredible match and tournament. You had a stellar season. Winning the gold medal and reaching so many finals. Hopefully we can play many more finals together. Congrats to your team too. You guys are very nice. It’s fun competition,” Gauff told Zheng.