Coco Gauff is on an absolute roll! The young American has once again shown the world what she’s made of – clinching a major win over Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals. Not only was this her first victory over Swiatek this year, but it was also just the second time she’s conquered the Pole in her entire career—a testament to the improving nature of Gauff’s game. As the tennis world showers her with praises, her former coach Brad Gilbert has chimed in, joining the chorus to celebrate her remarkable triumph.

The American tennis sensation played her second match in the ongoing WTA Finals against the former World No.1 and left her baffled in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. With this, Gauff secured her 11th victory in the past 12 matches she has played on hard courts recently – proving her mettle. Gilbert, meanwhile, did not take a backseat and was quick to shower his admiration for his former mentee. 

Taking to X, the American coach wrote, “good effort from Coco today, taking out Iga Pop will have a new yearend number  ☝️ Saby.” The match witnessed some remarkable gameplay from the star player throughout. In the first set, she fired only two double faults and demonstrated control over her service game. While it increased to nine in the second set, the 20-year-old managed to stay calm and composed to eventually clinch the match. Her latest victory, meanwhile, will also help Aryna Sabalenka to end the year as the World No. 1, irrespective of the outcome of the tournament. 

For those unaware, Swiatek needed to win every single match at the WTA Finals to regain her position as the world no.1 which she lost due to long hiatus after the US Open. But with Gauff breaking Swiatek in the second match, the hope for the Pole to return to the no. 1 has been shattered for the year. Interestingly, this was also the first victory for Gauff against the Pole after parting ways with Gilbert. By the way, Gilbert is not the only former player to have lauded Gauff’s remarkable gameplay after the match. 

Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs reflected on the entirety of the match and posted multiple comments depicting Gauff’s dominance. Taking to X with Gauff just about to win the match, she wrote, “Coco hits no DFs and wins her serve to love. She is by far the better player today from the back of the court….Iga serving to stay in the match.” She also reflected upon the intensity of the match and slammed critics who term Women’s tennis as boring. “This tennis is REAL good from @CocoGauff and @iga_swiatek !! Also if i read 1 more thing on this site about women’s tennis not being entertaining or worth watching, turn on your tv to the TC & watch this match & if you’re still negative about women’s tennis, unfollow me & ✌️👋👌!” Stubbs added. Well, it wasn’t easy really. Gauff faced her own share of struggles in the match and revealed how she managed to overpower Swiatek.

What gave “confidence” to Coco Gauff after a “sloppy” struggle against Iga Swiatek?

The only time when Coco Gauff won against Iga Swiatek before her latest victory was the Cincinnati Masters in 2023. Hence, facing a player against whom she lost numerous matches was not easy for the American star and she faced her own share of struggles. However, certain moments that unfolded during the match gave confidence to Gauff as revealed by herself. 

“It feels great,” she said after winning the match. “I had confidence going in, I felt like I was playing great tennis and even when I was playing a little bit sloppy the games that I lost were still going to deuce,” Gauff added. “That gave me confidence. If I stayed solid, I knew I had the chance to close out the match.” She further elaborated on her challenges and resilience that was witnessed throughout the match. 

“The first set I had like three straight games in a row with break points. I didn’t let it discourage me. I knew I’d get it eventually. Even In the last game I missed two forehand returns in the net and I told myself ‘it’s ok I’ll get the next one’ and I did.” As the tournament progresses, it would be interesting to see if Gauff can continue her run and return home with a glorious achievement under her belt.