Coco Gauff becomes youngest tennis player to win the WTA after edging China’s Zheng in the final
Coco Gauff became the youngest player to win the WTA Finals in 20 years after edging Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng in an epic season-ending finale.
Gauff, who was two points from defeat, sealed a stunning 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) victory against Olympic champion Zheng in one of the matches of the year.
The former US Open champion, who struggled during the North American hard-court swing, turned her fortunes around by playing some of the best tennis of her career to defeat defending champion Iga Swiatek before upsetting an out-of-sorts Aryna Sabalenka en route to the final.
Gauff became the first American champion since Serena Williams 10 years ago and the youngest winner at the end-of-season event since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
The 20-year-old came from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set and was two points from defeat at one stage.
But she took the set to a tie-breaker, winning the first six points, and although Zheng threatened a comeback it was Gauff who sealed victory with a forehand winner at the net after three hours and four minutes of intense action.
“It was a really great match. Qinwen played some unbelievable tennis,” Gauff told Sky Sports Tennis. “I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up.
“I was just telling myself, ‘It’s another point, another chance’. I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around… and was able to do it again.”
Zheng was looking to complete a season in which she reached a Grand Slam final for the first time at the Australian Open and delivered China’s first Olympic tennis singles gold medal.
Gauff thanked her team and family during her on-court speech, saying: “I’d to thank my team. It’s been a long season. I want to say thank you. This week has been so fun. Win or lose, I always have a good time with you guys.
“Thank you to my parents. My mum is here. My dad is watching at home… my brother… my grandparents. Thank you to the man above for allowing me to be here.”
Source: Skysports