"I think she’s prepped for a massive year next year": Former world number one predicts big 2025 season for Coco Gauff after WTA Finals triumph

Former world number one Andy Roddick believes that recent triumph in the WTA Finals will give America’s Coco Gauff an edge in the 2025 season. The last major event in the women’s tennis calendar was recently organised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the top eight players are set to participate and showcase their talent.

America’s Gauff emerged as victorious in the 2024 edition as she lifted the title after beating China’s Qinwen Zheng in the final in straight sets with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. Former world number one Roddick has been recently quoted in a report by The Tennis Gazette where he talked about the importance of that win for the reigning world number three. The one-time Grand Slam winner was of the opinion that the triumph in Riyadh will give Gauff an edge going into the 2024 season.

“When you have a 1-11 record against someone, getting that win against Iga Swiatek where it has been traditionally a tough matchup, probably her toughest matchup on tour, wonders for confidence,” he said. “She’s going to sleep a lot better this off-season, and her steps are going to be a little bit lighter when she goes into problem-solving. There’s not as much scar tissue from 2024, she’s almost deleted all of it, and I think she’s prepped for a massive year next year.”

Gauff had a mixed year where she failed to produce the goods in major events. However, she ended up winning three titles, which would’ve been a decent return in a year where she was not at her best. Before winning the WTA Finals, Gauff lifted the China Open after beating the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-3. She also won the ASB Classic in Auckland after beating Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the final with a score of 6-7, 6-3, 6-3.