"I can’t say much, but everybody knows that has to change" - Coco Gauff hints at WTA Finals reverting away from 'stupid' format

After a blistering start to her WTA Finals campaign, Coco Gauff could find herself exiting at the round robin stage for a second consecutive year. Linda Noskova dented her hopes in a 6-3, 6-3 triumph while also confirming her spot in the semi-finals. Gauff, who won her opening match against Jessica Pegula, labelled the WTA Finals rules 'stupid', with a scenario being she could win two of her group matches and still not qualify.

That occurrence has been seen times before in this format. If players are level on points, it falls back on the number of sets won or lost. If equal, then it goes to games. Seemingly, the American No.1 is not a huge fan of this and, in characteristically Gauff style, has not shied away from stating it.

In an interview with Christian's Court, the 22-year-old hinted that change was in the air. “The scenarios, I know they make sense, but they’re kinda stupid. I know it’s like the point thing, all of the sets and all of that,” she commented.

“But it’s like I’m just trying to win a match and if I win my match [Thursday] and I still don’t qualify, I’m like, ‘It’s okay, it’s cool.’ I’m looking forward to next year. I can’t say much, but everybody knows that has to change.”

Whether the WTA will get creative and think of something else unique or if a knockout format with possibly more players featured could be on the cards in Charlotte. Whatever the case is, that is still a long way to go with Gauff still focusing on this tournament.

A win for either Gauff or Noskova in the second match of the round robin phase would guarantee a route into the semi-finals. Gauff had the experience of being a former champion and competing in her fifth consecutive edition but would not stand a chance against a very dangerous Noskova, who is outlining her increasing title credentials.

Noskova immediately pounced with a break to love off the bat but was reeled in. She seized back the break advantage before backing it up with a hold. She then extended that lead, but Gauff limited the damage before holding to make it 4-3. Noskova moved within one of the set and secured it against the serve.

The Czech was in control and looked to continue her commanding performance. She needed just one break of serve in the second set to get the job done, getting it early in the set with Gauff not able to conjure up a suitable response.

“She served well,” Gauff said, reviewing the match. “And I started off the match not serving so well, so didn’t really put a lot of pressure on her in those games. She played solid today, she’s able to play first strike tennis and I think the last half a second I started to serve a bit better. Got up 0-30 in that one game, but just didn’t quite get to break point. So I think today she played well and I think I didn’t put enough pressure on her."

Her serving was not on-par with what she expected. “I wish I had started off serving a little bit better. I think if I was serving better, I could have put some more pressure on those return games. She was starting up a break a lot so it’s much easier to serve when you’re up a break. Especially as she is a good server, so that’s something I have to work on.”

Noskova is the first player in the semi-finals in California. For Gauff, she will need to defeat Marta Kostyuk in her final match and hope Noskova gets the better of Pegula to advance. Currently, the 32-year-old American leads Gauff with a better set record, 3-2 compared to Gauff's 2-3.