RIYADH/STARNBERG, November 9, 2024
Coco Gauff from the United States and Chinese Zheng Qinwen have both reached the final of the WTA Finals presented by PIF in Riyadh, promising a thrilling clash between two rising stars in women’s tennis. Gauff, who is known for her tactical defense and quick counterattacks, overcame top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus in a tight semifinal match, winning 7-6(4), 6-3 on Friday.
What dreams are made of @CocoGauff secures her spot in the final at the WTA Finals for the very first time in her career! #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/4R67BYU8b8
— wta (@WTA) November 8, 2024
“Obviously she’s a great player, but I just felt like if I can just play well and serve well, I had a good chance. And once, you know, I stepped on the court and realized I was feeling my serve, I just kind of had that belief that I can win,” said Gauff.
Zheng, the 22-year-old Olympic gold medalist from Paris, earned her place in her first WTA Finals title match by defeating Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5. Known for her powerful serve, which has produced 35 aces across four matches this week, Zheng’s confidence and composure have been crucial in her run to the final.
Finalist on her Finals debut
Zheng Qinwen is ending the year on a high #WTAFinalsRiyadh | #PIF pic.twitter.com/ngyVxwYkMC
— wta (@WTA) November 8, 2024
“I feel everything is real,” Zheng said. “I know after Wimbledon I had a big struggle. I did not perform well at Roland Garros. I did not perform well at Wimbledon. I think everything’s for a reason.
“After that, even though I was the Olympic champion, I tried to keep my mentality stable, don’t get relaxed. Seems like it’s working. I still keep the motivations pretty high.”
This championship match marks a milestone for both Gauff and Zheng as they vie for their first year-end title.
RESULTS – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
[2] Gabriela Dabrowski (CAN) / Erin Routliffe (NZL) d. [6] Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) / Ellen Perez (AUS) 7-6(7) 6-1
[7] Zheng Qinwen (CHN) d. [8] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) 6-3 7-5
[3] Coco Gauff (USA) d. [1] Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(4) 6-3
[8] Katerina Siniakova (CZE) / Taylor Townsend (USA) d. [7] Chan Hao-Ching (TPE) / Veronika Kudermetova 6-0 7-6(5)
