Coco Gauff Closes Historic Season with WTA Finals Title and $4.8M Prize

On November 9, Coco Gauff made history by winning the Riyadh Open in Saudi Arabia. At just 20, she became the youngest player since 2002 to beat both the world’s top-ranked players in a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) final.

Gauff’s victory didn’t come easy. She fought hard against China’s Zheng Qinwen, eventually winning in three sets: 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. Her win also earned her the tournament’s $4.8 million prize, the biggest prize in tennis history, as reported by CNN.

To reach the top, Coco Gauff had to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka and number two Iga Świątek, making her the youngest champion to achieve this since Maria Sharapova in 2004, the year Gauff was born.

After her win, Gauff was thrilled to hear about the record she set. “I asked if it was the youngest record as soon as I won,” she said. “It’s pretty cool that it’s been so long. It just shows age doesn’t matter—young or old.”

Despite her victory, the WTA’s decision to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns. Some critics argue that Saudi Arabia is trying to improve its image by hosting major sports events, even though the country has a history of restricting women’s rights, according to The Athletic.

Coco Gauff was the only player to speak openly about her feelings on playing in Saudi Arabia, saying she relied on the experiences of locals for guidance. “If I felt uncomfortable or saw no progress, I probably wouldn’t come back,” she said. “I don’t live here, so I can only trust what people who live here tell me.”

Gauff said she was told the tournament would include community programs, such as coaching for local girls. Still, some players, who chose not to go public, believe these programs aren’t enough to truly advance women’s sports in the country.

Gauff’s win is a historic moment for her career, but it also highlights questions about the WTA’s choices and the balance between sports and social progress.