Coco Gauff upset defending WTA Finals champion Iga Swiatek for only the second time in 13 matches to reach the semi-finals in Riyadh, despite 11 double faults.
Coco Gauff pulled off a stunning upset at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating defending champion Iga Świątek 6-3, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. This victory was significant for Gauff, as it marked just her second win over Świątek in 13 career meetings, and it ended the Polish player’s six-match winning streak at the prestigious event. The American’s resilience in the face of adversity was on full display, especially considering the challenges she faced throughout the match.
Despite committing 11 double faults and a high number of unforced errors, Gauff maintained her composure, showing a level of maturity and mental toughness that has become a hallmark of her game. She finished the match with 33 unforced errors, but her ability to hit timely winners—10 in total—proved pivotal. Gauff’s aggressive approach and resilience paid off as she successfully kept Świątek on the defensive throughout the match, never letting her opponent settle into a rhythm.
For Świątek, the match was marked by a series of unforced errors—47 in total—which ultimately contributed to her downfall. Although the Pole hit 15 winners, her inability to capitalize on key moments and the mistakes that crept into her game gave Gauff the upper hand. It was a frustrating performance for Świątek, who has struggled with consistency this season, and it was evident that her new partnership with coach Wim Fissette—her second match under his guidance—had yet to yield the desired results.
The win also ensured that Aryna Sabalenka would finish the year as the world No. 1. Świątek, who had been hoping to reclaim the top spot from Sabalenka, is now mathematically unable to do so, marking the end of her hopes for a return to the top position after a stellar 2023 season.
Gauff, on the other hand, has been playing with a new level of confidence in recent months. She has been gradually building on her impressive performances from earlier in the year, including her breakthrough US Open victory. The 20-year-old’s composure in high-pressure situations, coupled with her mental fortitude, has been a key to her recent success. After the match, Gauff reflected on the win, telling Sky Sports Tennis, “It feels great and despite our head-to-head, I was still confident. I knew if I could find my game, I knew I had the chance to close out the match.”
She also spoke about the importance of the atmosphere, saying, “It means a lot [the crowds]. You guys are holding it down, and it was a really fun atmosphere. I like playing in atmospheres like this, and it makes competing exciting.” Gauff’s ability to thrive in such high-stakes conditions has made her a formidable competitor, and her performance against Świątek is a testament to that.
Looking ahead, Gauff will carry momentum into the semi-finals, where she will aim to continue her strong run at the season-ending event. Świątek, meanwhile, still has a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but she must defeat Jessica Pegula in her final round-robin match to keep her hopes alive.
Ultimately, the match was a testament to Gauff’s growth as a player and her ability to overcome adversity, while Świątek will need to regroup if she is to keep her WTA Finals hopes alive. The encounter was an exciting, drama-filled spectacle that showcased the grit and determination of both players, with Gauff emerging as the stronger competitor on the day.
