Coco Gauff turned the youngest participant to win the WTA Finals in 20 years after edging Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng in an epic season-ending finale.
Gauff, who was two factors from defeat, sealed a shocking 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) victory in opposition to Olympic champion Zheng in one of many matches of the 12 months.
The previous US Open champion, who struggled in the course of the North American hard-court swing, turned her fortunes round by enjoying a number of the greatest tennis of her profession to defeat defending champion Iga Swiatek earlier than upsetting an out-of-sorts Aryna Sabalenka en path to the ultimate.
Gauff turned the primary American champion since Serena Williams 10 years in the past and the youngest winner on the end-of-season occasion since Maria Sharapova in 2004.
The 20-year-old got here from 2-0 and 5-3 down within the remaining set and was two factors from defeat at one stage.
However she took the set to a tie-breaker, profitable the primary six factors, and though Zheng threatened a comeback it was Gauff who sealed victory with a forehand winner on the internet after three hours and 4 minutes of intense motion.
“It was a really great match. Qinwen played some unbelievable tennis,” Gauff informed Sky Sports activities Tennis. “I used to be simply attempting my greatest to hold in there and I by no means gave up.
“I was just telling myself, ‘It’s another point, another chance’. I’ve been in situations like this in the past and have been able to turn it around… and was able to do it again.”
Zheng was seeking to full a season through which she reached a Grand Slam remaining for the primary time on the Australian Open and delivered China’s first Olympic tennis singles gold medal.
Gauff thanked her group and household throughout her on-court speech, saying: “I’d to thank my team. It’s been a long season. I want to say thank you. This week has been so fun. Win or lose, I always have a good time with you guys.
“Thanks to my dad and mom. My mum is right here. My dad is watching at dwelling… my brother… my grandparents. Thanks to the person above for permitting me to be right here.”
Zheng: I want for higher sooner or later
“I want to say thank you to everyone who came tonight and enjoyed this tennis match,” stated runner-up, Zheng.
“And thank you to my team, you try to keep me healthy. I’ve been through a lot of matches this year, but am still out on court fighting. I wish it to be better in the future.
“Congrats to the champion. It is the primary time you’re champion right here and I want you an incredible future.”
‘Gauff has the heart of a champion’
Laura Robson and Tim Henman focus on an unimaginable remaining with host Gigi Salmon
“It’s incredible. And we can do deep dives into players’ techniques but, at the end of the day, that just epitomises the desire and heart of a champion,” stated Tim Henman.
“She should have lost on numerous occasions. She just refuses to give in and it’s that resilience, added to her athletic ability, that is phenomenal. She is a very worthy winner.”
‘Gauff a really deserving winner!’
“That was such a fun match to commentate on. There were so many twists and turns… but there was one thing that was consistent, and that was Coco’s attitude,” Laura Robson stated.
“She just never gave in, never let anyone see her sweat. Every changeover, every time she faced a break point, it was the exact same response.
“I’ve simply an enormous quantity of respect for each gamers. And a really deserving winner.”
WTA Finals roll of honour
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