Coco Gauff had a bitterly disappointing summer, but on November 9, the American was able to celebrate lifting her first WTA Finals trophy, regaining her confidence after a string of frustrating defeats to end 2024 on a high note.
The 20-year-old showed her mettle against China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the Riyadh finale, coming back from a set down and holding her nerve through a gritty 3-hour, 4-minute affair to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2).
The first WTA Finals title for Gauff was made sweeter after a mid-year derailment, when attempts to rebuild her serve led to repeated frustrations on the tour and a coaching shake-up.
"It's been a long season," she said, with the gleaming silver trophy in her hand in Riyadh, thanking her family and team for sticking with her through the ups and downs.
Gauff's year had started on the right track as she won in Auckland and reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open. But the season began to crumble with a fourth-round defeat at Wimbledon and third-round exit at the Paris Games.
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
K-pop star Psy's home temporarily seized due to penalty arrears
Singer Psy recently had his luxury home in Seoul temporarily seized by the authorities after he failed to pay an administrative penalty imposed by the district office, local media outlets reported on Nov 25.
BTS' Jimin and Jung Kook face off at Billboard Music Awards
K-pop supergroup BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook will face off at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), which will take place on Dec 12.
Stefanie Sun fails to nab Taipei Arena for 2025 world tour
It has been a decade since homegrown Mandopop star Stefanie Sun last headlined her own tour, so when her upcoming world tour Aut Nihilo Sun Yanzi In Concert was announced recently, fans went into a frenzy.
Society is sick': Actor Ryan Lian after netizens laugh at him for being attacked
Local actor Ryan Lian has hit back at netizens who were unkind to him after learning that he was injured in a recent knife attack.
Binge-worthy K-variety series is a celebration of tenacity and sisterhood
Iron Girls follows the trials and triumphs of four award-winning South Korean actresses who signed up for the toughest roles of their lives – participants of the 2024 World Triathlon Cup in Tongyeong.
Problemista's whimsy is wearying, Blitz a conventional WWII drama
Alejandro (Julio Torres) from El Salvador is an aspiring toy designer in New York City. With time running out on his American work visa, he becomes personal assistant to an erratic art critic (Tilda Swinton) as his only hope for a sponsored residency.
Moana 2 charts familiar waters, but stays buoyant
Disney's second voyage with Moana dives deeper into Pacific culture
Shrek director tackles animation taboo in Netflix fairy tale Spellbound
Animated films tackling parent separation and divorce are few and far between.
New head hopes to offer alternative to 'junk food'
General manager of SGIFF Jeremy Chua courts young viewers and social media
Music kings take back their crowns
Must-see MV: G-Dragon – 2024 Mama performance medley
