Qinwen Zheng explains what she has changed ahead of facing Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals, as both players prepare for one of the biggest matches of their careers. The World number seven will face the 2023 US Open winner in the championship match as they each compete for the right to win the season-ending title for the first time in their young careers.
They are the two youngest finalists at the WTA Finals since 2004, the year Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams in a memorable showdown that marked a changing of the guard in women’s tennis.
How does Qinwen Zheng rate her chances against Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals?
Qinwen Zheng entered the WTA Finals riding a wave of momentum, just a week after securing the Tokyo Open title in impressive fashion. The Chinese player has demonstrated remarkable consistency in recent months, transforming herself into one of the tour’s most formidable competitors.
Her recent record speaks volumes about her development – winning 31 of her 36 matches since Wimbledon, a testament to her improved physical conditioning and mental fortitude. Now, she stands one win away from claiming the prestigious WTA Finals trophy.
But though Coco Gauff is standing in her way, Zheng feels better prepared to take on the American than in their Italian Open clash in May. “It’s tough to say. In a tennis match a lot of things can happen,” the Olympic champion told reporters in her press conference.
“Last time I remember the reason why I lost against her is because I was out of strength in the second set and I felt I couldn’t put any first serves in because I didn’t have any power any more. That’s why I tried to improve my physical part,” Zheng reflected, highlighting the significant improvements she’s made to her conditioning.
The evolution of her game has been evident throughout the tournament, particularly in her improved serve consistency and court coverage. “After this past year I feel the situation is different. I have more endurance, it’s going to be a different match, different surfaces,” she added.
Acknowledging her opponent’s achievements, Zheng continued, “She is obviously such a good player, winning slams at such a young age, it’s going to be a different challenge for me but I am really happy and excited to face that.”
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How did Qinwen Zheng and Coco Gauff reach the WTA Finals championship match?
The journey to the final has been anything but straightforward for both players. Zheng’s debut WTA Finals campaign began with a setback, suffering her fifth successive defeat to World number one Aryna Sabalenka. However, her resilience shone through in the matches that followed.
She bounced back impressively, securing a hard-fought 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-1 victory over Elena Rybakina, a result that ended the Kazak player’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals. The win showcased Zheng’s improved mental strength, particularly in handling pressure moments against established top players.
To secure her path to the last four, Zheng delivered a masterclass against Jasmine Paolini, dominating proceedings with a 6-1, 6-1 scoreline that left spectators in awe of her power game. Her semi-final triumph over Barbora Krejčíková further emphasized her readiness for the big stage.
Gauff’s route to the final has been equally impressive. The American started her third successive WTA Finals tournament by dispatching compatriot Jessica Pegula in straight sets, showcasing the form that has made her one of the tour’s most feared players.
Her victory over Iga Swiatek proved particularly significant, marking just her second win against the Polish star and demonstrating her growing confidence in high-stakes matches. Despite a setback against Krejčíková in her final group match, Gauff showed tremendous character to bounce back and eliminate Sabalenka in a thrilling semi-final encounter.
This achievement made her the youngest woman to reach the final of the WTA Finals since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010, adding another milestone to her already impressive career.
The stage is now set for what promises to be an enthralling final between two of tennis’s brightest young stars. Both players have shown throughout the tournament why they deserve their place in this prestigious final, combining power, precision, and persistence in equal measure.
The contrast in their playing styles, with Gauff’s defensive prowess against Zheng’s aggressive baseline game, suggests we could be in for a classic encounter. Their previous meeting at the Italian Open may provide some context, but both players have evolved significantly since that spring encounter in Rome.
As the tennis world eagerly anticipates this generational clash, one thing is certain – whether it’s Zheng or Gauff who lifts the trophy, women’s tennis is in good hands with these two exceptional athletes leading the way into the future.
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