"This is a new coaching set-up": Coco Gauff reveals not putting 'too much pressure' to secure spot in WTA Finals

America’s tennis star Coco Gauff has revealed that she is not putting ‘too much pressure’ on herself to book a spot in the WTA Finals. The mega-event, which is considered the last big competition in women’s tennis, will be organised in November this year in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The tournament usually features the top eight women’s tennis players in the singles category. Gauff, who is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category along with Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, is currently placed in the sixth spot in the race to cement a spot in the WTA Finals.

As things stand, there is no reason to worry about the current world number six, but her recent form is a concerning one. The one-time Grand Slam winner’s most recent appearance in a major event was during the US Open, where, while defending her title, she was knocked out in the fourth round after losing to fellow American Emma Navarro with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Before that, she lost in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters and the second round of the Canadian Open.

Gauff is currently participating in the China Open, where she booked her place in the third round after beating France’s Clara Burel in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-3. The Atlanta-born recently spoke to WTA Insider about the importance of playing in the WTA Finals. Guaff was of the opinion that she is eager to play in the mega-event but is not putting ‘too much’ pressure on herself to secure a spot in the tournament.

“I’ve never felt pressure to make the Finals except the first year when I was trying to make it,” she said “This year, it would be great to qualify and experience an organised Finals, but I’m also not trying to put too much pressure because this is a new coaching set-up and I’m adding things. This tournament, we started a pre-season early, in a way.