"I hope I’m that person”: Coco Gauff chases rare WTA Finals title defense in Riyadh

Coco Gauff returns to Riyadh as the defending champion at the 2025 WTA Finals — and this time, she comes with a record that confirms her as one of the most consistent forces on the tour. The 21-year-old arrives with a 47–14 win–loss record this season and over $7.2 million in on-court earnings. She lifted two titles — Roland Garros and the WTA 1000 in Wuhan — and also reached the finals in Madrid and Rome during a clay swing that showcased her dominance across surfaces.

Back where she conquered the biggest title of her career last year, Gauff says defending her title doesn’t change her mindset too much. “I know it’s been a long time since anyone defended, so it’s like, OK, I hope I’m that person,” she said with a smile. “But if not, whatever. When you’re playing this tournament, your expectations — at least for me personally — aren’t that high because you’re playing the top eight in the world.”

It’s a tournament that demands excellence from the very first match, something Gauff knows all too well after surviving a memorable 2024 final against Zheng Qinwen, where she came back from 3–5 down in the third set to win 7–6(3), 4–6, 7–6(4).

Despite her experience, the WTA Finals remain a challenge that goes beyond tennis itself. “It’s a lot more time commitment than most tournaments we play,” the world No. 3 explained. “But now, in year four, I was mentally prepared for what to expect.” Between interviews, photo shoots, and off-court activities, Gauff has learned to manage the spotlight — something that became a defining part of her 2025 season.

Her journey through Asia this year has been one of the keys to her late-season success. No player has won more matches on the WTA Tour in Asia over the past three years, and Gauff once again shone during the swing, culminating with her title in Wuhan. “It’s post–Grand Slam season, so I feel like the stress is at the lowest — at the floor,” she said. “I’d love to have that mindset everywhere, but you can’t always fake it till you make it. Over there, I don’t have to fake anything.”

“The fan support is amazing. They give you a lot of gifts, and you feel really welcomed. It’s one of those events where you feel relaxed but not too relaxed, because the fans keep you engaged.”

The US Open was another defining chapter for Gauff, not just for her result -eliminated by Naomi Osaka in Round of 16- but for how she handled public scrutiny and changes within her team. “It felt like there were a lot more eyes on me,” she recalled. “I’m used to attention, but that felt like a lot more than usual. Once it was all over, it was a great learning experience. I don’t regret my decisions — I’d do it again a thousand times.” The experience, she says, made her “a better player and a better person on and off the court.”

Gauff’s openness about her mental approach has become one of her trademarks, and she’s learned how to stay composed even under intense pressure. “Sometimes you think you’ve got the hang of it, but there’s always new territory to face,” she said. “That was something new, and I’m sure it won’t be the last time there’s that kind of attention.”

Unlike other sports, tennis offers little privacy for players trying to adjust their game. “We don’t really have closed practices — we’re always practising in public,” she explained. “That was tough, especially when I was working on my motion and all the cameras were there. It wasn’t fun in the moment, but now, looking back, it’s kind of funny and I can laugh about it.”

That ability to reflect and turn challenges into positives has helped her stay grounded. “Maybe not always in the moment, but later I can look back and find the positives. There’s almost always something to learn in every situation — not everything, but most things.”

Now, with media duties done and her focus back on the court, Gauff is eager to begin her title defense. “I’m super excited to be back on this court and play in front of this crowd,” she said. “I hope I can have another successful WTA Finals,” the defending champion concluded.