SILENCING DOUBTERS FEELS NICE TO GAUFF

American ends topsy-turvy season on a high by clinching maiden WTA Finals title

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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.