As Tim Henman rightly pointed out Coco Gauff has a “champion’s heart.” Following a remarkable triumph in Riyadh, the American WTA star solidified her position among tennis’s brightest players. Having issues with forehand and double-faults that led to disappointments early in the season, the WTA star transformed her weakness into her strength and showed she is not ready to quit soon! With a great end to her season, Gauff received wishes from tennis personalities like Chris Evert, Rennae Stubbs, and Pato Zarazua. As people congratulate her, they highlight the American’s potential in the sport. So, what did they say?

Yesterday, the former US Open champion won the 2024 WTA Tour Finals by defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-4, 7(7)-6(2). Two decades after Maria Sharapova, Gauff became the second-youngest player to win this prestigious title at 20. In fact, she is also the youngest American to earn this achievement since Serena Williams in 2001. The WTA player received a total prize of $4.8 million making a record in women’s professional tennis.

Gauff was delighted about her performance. Speaking to Sky Sports, the WTA star poured her heart and expressed her happiness. “This means a lot to me. This is the first professional women’s tennis event here in Saudi Arabia and I’ll forever be etched in history in that standard. That was a great match. I was just trying my best to hang in there and I never gave up,” she said. Gauff’s statement highlighted her spirit and focus throughout the game.

Now, many personalities from the fraternity congratulated and expressed their happiness about Coco Gauff. Their words echoed their admiration and faith on the player.

Coco Gauff receives overflowing support from the fraternity for winning her season’s third title in Riyadh

Gauff’s hitting partner at the 2024 WTA Tour Finals Pato Zarazua dropped his wishes for the American player. “The best player in the world. it’s been a pleasure sharing the court with you during your practice weeks @cocogauff,” wrote Zarazua on his official IG story while sharing a photo with Gauff on the court from their practice session. As a hitting partner of the WTA star from Florida’s Delray Beach, Zarazua’s expression highlighted Gauff’s team’s expectations about her tennis talent. When the former US Open champion lost the 2024 Australian Open, she was seen hitting balls with Zarazua at Miami Beach. At that time, Gauff’s hitting partner shared a photo of them on his IG story and wrote, “Good practice today with US Open champ and world #3 Coco Gauff.” From this comment to Zarazua’s incredible compliment for Coco Gauff, it seemed the player came a long way.

On the other hand, Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs tweeted showering her love on Gauff’s Riyadh success. “Congrats to @CocoGauff on winning her first @WTAFinalsRiyadh tournament. I said if she cut her double faults to under 6 per match she would win the tournament. Today her DFs were, 4 in a 3 hr match! Well down to her & her team. Zheng will learn from this loss as it was in her.” Stubbs highlighted how Gauff ensured her victory by minimizing her double faults. Now, Gauff fans know how the WTA star’s 19 double faults against Emma Navarro at the 2024 US Open’s fourth round jeopardized her dream of defending the title this year. Stubbs’ comment showed that Gauff made significant improvements. Along with praising the American player, Stubbs also mentioned how Gauff’s victory offered a valuable lesson to Qinwen Zheng. 

Not just Rennae Stubbs but former WTA number one Chris Evert also congratulated Coco Gauff. Her statement highlighted Gauff’s improvements in her forehand and mental strength leading her to win the three-hour match without losing patience. “The forehand was impressive, the serving consistent and powerful, but what stood out, as always, was the mental toughness of @CocoGauff @WTAFinalsRiyadh.” Evert’s words shed light on Gauff’s intense hard work. Now, Gauff’s fans remember how she disappointed the fraternity by making three forehand errors during her 2024 French Open match against Swiatek. Later in the same match, Gauff made a final forehand error that led to her defeat against the Polish. The former US Open champion again made 16 unforced errors in her match against Aryna Sablenka in Riyadh. However, it looked like she tried her best and successfully eliminated her weak points to win her debut WTA Tour Finals title. 

Coco Gauff’s recent achievement showcased her hard work and indomitable spirit. With sheer resilience and drive, the WTA star has not only silenced her critics but also cemented her place among the tennis’ brightest stars. Do you agree?