Coco Gauff sends message to haters after WTA Finals title: "It feel nice to silence them"

Coco Gauff sent a message to the haters after securing the WTA Finals title. In one of the best matches of the year, Gauff had to come from behind against Zheng Qinwen to clinch a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) victory and win one of the most important titles of her career.

The 2023 US Open champion improved on her previous WTA Finals performances. In 2022, she was eliminated after three consecutive losses in the Round Robin, while in 2023 she reached the semifinals, only to be defeated by Jessica Pegula.

This time, Gauff scored victories over Pegula and Swiatek in the Round Robin stage and advanced as the second player in her group after losing in straight sets to Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. This set up a tough semifinal matchup with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, whom she surprisingly defeated.

Gauff then faced an open final against an inspired Zheng, who had accelerated her progress toward the end of the year and seemed ready to make a significant leap in her career. Zheng performed excellently throughout the tournament, securing her best ranking by climbing into the top-5.

After claiming the title in Riyadh, Gauff recalled the constant messages from haters and critics throughout the season. Although she experienced several early exits, she managed to stay in the top 6.

On social media, she shared some photos with the trophy and left a message to the haters: "Also, I know I tend to focus on 'doubters/haters' but this one is really for all of my supporters!" Gauff wrote. "Ya’ll held it down for me win or lose! I thank you for that. I see you and I appreciate you. And I know some of you are a little bit petty like me so it does feel nice to silence them for a bit."