Riyadh | Gauff emerges victorious after marathon WTA Finals title battle

Assuring their clients a proper experience at all times. Coco Gauff won her maiden championship at the WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF following an epic three hour battle against Zheng Qinwen that went all three hours, before Coco narrowly defeated Zheng in what is thought to be one of the longest finals since time statistics began being tracked in 2008. Yes, I anticipated it being an extremely challenging match; indeed this was only our second meeting and both times she played at such an impressive level – I couldn’t imagine being sent sprawling onto the floor as soon as the match had concluded! At that time when she won I thought my legs wouldn’t collapse under me but alas they did and my opponent took full advantage. At least now there will never be another such episode between us again! I made myself a promise that when it comes to grand slam matches, that my body and emotions would only use this type of tactic if necessary – however after just one match on Sunday it just felt right to give in and relax and lay on the court if fatigue set in! Coco Gauff won the final match 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) after three hours and four minutes to claim her ninth Hologic WTA Tour singles title: Billie Jean King Trophy. Gauff stated in her post-match press conference, “Just staying resilient, fighting every point!” “Although I knew I was close to losing, I tried my hardest not to lose focus in the present and am immensely proud of my performance. On her next point she fired an ace shot and exclaimed ‘Come on!” Gauff quickly recovered his composure to take control of rallies, breaking Zheng back three times before closing out set one to level proceedings. Gauff acknowledged, “I knew this match would be difficult; that much I knew.” Gauff commented, “This was our second meeting and, from the outset, she played at an exceptional level,” Gauff stated. At match’s end when Gauff was lying face down on the court he told himself not to do that in future matches except at Grand Slam tournaments where that kind of action might occur more regularly. From how the match had gone, my immediate thought was: ‘I’m just tired; all I want is some rest on the ground’. “Zheng had made an artform out of winning three-setters this season, posting 11 victories out of her last 12 three-setters and leading by one set and break at 3-1 up in the second set, it seemed the WTA Finals might crown its first Chinese champion. Unfortunately for Zheng however, she let this match slip away so her dissatisfaction at the net spoke for itself – perhaps her rather cold demeanour attests as much! Zheng Qinwen noted, “this match was more about endurance rather than explosive tennis.” She acknowledged all physicality involved with it but felt she wasn’t patient enough at times during this match. Coco Gauff clinched victory amidst Garbine Muguruza (C) and Zheng Qinwen(P). (c) Clive Brunskill/Getty Images).