Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen Set for WTA Finals Showdown

Posted : 09 November 2024

World number three Coco Gauff and number seven Zheng Qinwen will meet in the championship match of the WTA Finals in Riyadh after both secured impressive victories in the semifinals on Friday. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7/4), 6-3, making her the youngest player to reach the final of the season-ending event since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010. Meanwhile, Zheng, the Olympic gold medallist in singles, won 6-3, 7-5 against Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, marking her debut appearance in the WTA Finals.

Gauff's victory over Sabalenka was marked by her resilience and stability under pressure. Despite facing 13 break points throughout the match, Gauff saved nine of them and held her composure. She expressed satisfaction with her performance, acknowledging Sabalenka's strength as world number one. “I’m happy with the way I played,” said Gauff, adding that Sabalenka is always a tough opponent. The win improved Gauff's head-to-head record to 5-4 against the Belarusian.

The upcoming final will feature a matchup between Gauff and Zheng, who have only met once before, with Gauff emerging victorious in their previous encounter earlier this season in Rome. Despite this, Gauff praised Zheng’s current form, calling her a player in great confidence. For Gauff, the year-end tournament is a bonus, and she is focused on playing her best tennis. “Just playing confident tennis will help me and give me the best shot at winning,” said Gauff, who remains unfazed by the occasion.

At the same time, Zheng's semifinal victory was a testament to her growing strength and composure. She started strong against Krejcikova, breaking early to take a 3-0 lead and comfortably securing the first set. The second set was more challenging, with Krejcikova fighting back after trailing 3-0 to level the score at 5-5. However, Zheng held her nerve, breaking Krejcikova again before serving out for the match, ultimately clinching the victory after a hard-fought contest.

The match between Gauff and Zheng will not only feature two of the game's brightest stars but also boast the youngest combined age for a WTA Finals final since 2004, when Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams met. With both players in strong form and eager to capture the title, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Gauff aiming for her first WTA Finals title and Zheng looking to cap her breakout year with a stunning achievement.

Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen Set for WTA Finals Showdown

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