Coco Gauff becomes first since Maria Sharapova to qualify for three straight WTA Finals before the age of 21

Coco Gauff had made her WTA Finals debut at the age of 18.

Coco Gauff stepped into the record books ahead of her opening match in WTA Finals 2024. After entering the courts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she became the first player since Maria Sharapova in 2007 to reach three consecutive WTA Finals before the age of 21. Sharapova had featured in the WTA Finals from 2004-2007.

Gauff had her debut in the season ending championship in 2022 and lost all three of her group matches in straight sets. She had entered the event ranked World No #4 in Fort Worth, USA.

In the very next season, Gauff was ranked World No #3 and won her first two group stage matches. She bageled Ons Jabeur in the opening set of the match and only conceded a single game in the next. The American lost in the semi-finals against Jessica Pegula.

The youngster also featured in the doubles segment in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the WTA Finals. She played alongside Pegula in both editions but the pair could not register wins in both their outings. In the 2024 edition, Gauff is ranked No #3 and is only playing in the singles event which will allow her to focus more.

Also Read: Iga Swiatek’s potential path to title glory at WTA Finals 2024

Coco Gauff begins WTA Finals 2024 campaign with win over Jessica Pegula

The orange group in WTA Finals 2024 witnessed Gauff begin her journey by avenging last year’s loss against Pegula. The 20-year-old defeated Pegula 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 15 minutes. Pegula had defeated Gauff in the semi-finals of the event in 2023 but this time the results favoured Gauff.

It was the sixth meeting between the pair on the tour as Gauff secured her second win over her former doubles partner. The straight set win will be a major boost for the young American as it solidifies her chances of qualifying to the semi-finals for the second successive year. Gauff will also look to secure a win against Barbora Krejcikova as defeating Iga Swiatek will be a massive task.

But Gauff will keep her hopes up as she brought back her best during the opening match against Pegula. With sufficient breaks provided between the matches, players have enough time to recover. Gauff will make use of the break to begin a winning streak in the event as she has two more group stage matches to play.

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