Coco Gauff has described her debut at the WTA Finals as ‘probably the worst week of her year’ after crashing out of the tournament on Saturday.
Gauff, who is the youngest player to qualify for the event since Maria Sharapova in 2005, finished at the bottom of her group in both singles and doubles. After losing to Caroline Garcia and Daria Kasatkina earlier in the week, the American only managed to win three games in her latest clash against world No.1 Iga Swiatek – losing 6-3, 6-0, in just over an hour.
“It just wasn’t my day. It wasn’t my week. But it’s okay,” said Gauff, who also lost all three of her doubles matches alongside partner Jessica Pegula.
“It’s probably the worst week of the year for me. I’ve never lost so much so fast. So, it’s an adjustment.”
It is the fifth time in a row Swiatek has prevailed over her 18-year-old opponent in straight sets. In all four of their meetings this season, including the French Open final, the Pole has lost no more than four games in each match.
“She’s a great player and obviously I haven’t found the way to beat her yet. But hopefully next time we’ll be better.” Gauff commented on their head-to-head record.
The youngster closes out her season without a WTA singles title to her name but she has won two WTA 1000 events in doubles. She has made progress over the past 12 months with 32 out of her 38 Tour wins this season being in straight sets. She is currently ranked No.4 in the world which is 20 places higher than this time last year.
To a degree, it can be argued that Gauff’s disappointing results in the season-ending event could be down to a lack of experience. In fact, the four players who didn’t progress out of the group stages this year were all making their debut.
“It gives me a lot of motivation to do better because losing sucks,” she said. “I guess for me, I’m gonna remember this feeling (from the WTA Finals) and use it to feel when I practice and
when I play. The goal is to try to qualify again next year.”
Gauff will be hoping to end the year on high at the Billie Jean King Cup which is being held in Glasgow.
“Going to the BJK Cup I think will be better. I have a team and teammates who are ready to play. So I think right now, my mindset is just on that. And try not to dwell too much on this because I still have a team I need to be there. I’m kind of grateful that I have that tournament because it’d be an awful way to end the year on this.” She concluded.
