World No. 3 Coco Gauff defeated World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) to remain undefeated at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Gauff and Swiatek have changed coaches since the US Open and plan concerted efforts to improve their games. Gauff is the 2024 French Open ladies’ doubles champion (with Katerina Siniakova), and Swiatek is the French Open champion. However, both did not perform well at the Olympics (Swiatek won the bronze) by their lofty standards.
Both players had issues during their match with Gauff being the better athlete and problem solver on this day.
4 service breaks in the second set
Gauff and Swiatek had serve issues in the second set resulting in four service breaks during the ten games. Both have dealt with service inconsistencies before the WTA Finals, but it was obvious as they exchanged breaks.
This marks the second time in Gauff’s career that she defeated Swiatek. Going into the WTA Finals, Gauff was 1-11 in her career against Swiatek.
Gauff’s athleticism prevailed
The fast indoor courts at this year’s WTA Finals benefit Gauff’s game. She is the best athlete among the top eight players with foot speed well-suited to the hard courts. Except for Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff has looked the most comfortable covering the court on long rallies, switching pace and spins to keep Swiatek on her back foot.
simply brilliant 💫@CocoGauff continues her dominate display in Riyadh with a straight-sets victory over Swiatek, 6-3, 6-4!#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/yF1K95r3TD
— wta (@WTA) November 5, 2024
Sabalenka will keep World No. 1 ranking
Gauff’s victory has deeper implications for women’s tennis. Swiatek’s loss ensures that Aryna Sabalenka will officially retain the World No. 1 ranking for the offseason.
Aryna Sabalenka will end the year as the world #1 for the first time in her career.
Phenomenal way to end a phenomenal season.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 5, 2024
Sabalenka was the best player in women’s tennis in 2024 earning two Grand Slam wins on the hardcourts of Melbourne and New York. She briefly had the World No. 1 ranking late last year, but Swiatek won the 2023 WTA Finals and wrestled it back from her.
Women’s tennis is competitive
Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff look to be the Big Three of women’s tennis at the moment. It is a deep field with many talented players including 2022 and 2024 Wimbledon champions Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova who both dealt with injuries this year and rising American star Emma Navarro.
The 2025 season will be an exciting one with no way of predicting which of the women will dominate.
