She did it again. Honestly, did anyone really doubt she would? Coco Gauff has officially punched her ticket to the WTA Finals in Riyadh, making it four years in a row that the young American has crashed the season-ending party. It’s kinda wild when you think about it—she’s only 21, yet she’s already becoming a permanent fixture at the most exclusive tournament in women’s tennis.
The qualification became official on September 30, 2025, after a gritty, heart-stopping win over Belinda Bencic at the China Open in Beijing. This wasn't some easy walkover. Gauff had to dig deep, coming back from a set and a break down to eventually secure a 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory. That’s basically the "Coco Special" at this point: making us all nervous before turning on the afterburners.
The Road to Riyadh and Why It Matters
Qualifying for the WTA Finals isn't just about showing up; it’s about the massive $15.5 million prize pool and the prestige of being one of the elite eight. Gauff joined world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek as the first few to lock in their spots. By the time the dust settled in October, the field was a literal "who’s who" of the tour.
Riyadh is a big deal for Gauff specifically because she's the defending champion. Last year, she outlasted Qinwen Zheng in a three-hour marathon that left her lying flat on her back on the purple court, totally spent. That win was historic. It made her the youngest winner of the event in 20 years—since Maria Sharapova did it in 2004, which, funnily enough, is the year Coco was born.
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This Season Has Been a Rollercoaster
If you’ve been following her 2025 season, you know it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Sure, she won Roland-Garros—her second career Grand Slam title—which is absolutely massive. But she also had some rocky patches, especially with her serve. Earlier in the year, she was double-faulting at a rate that would make most pros quit, yet she somehow kept winning.
She even made a bold coaching move right before the US Open, bringing in biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan. It was a "learn a new language" kind of moment. It didn't pay off immediately in New York, but by the time the Asian swing rolled around, her serve looked way more reliable. Winning the Wuhan title against Jessica Pegula in October really proved that the technical tweaks were sticking.
A Historic Moment for American Tennis
There’s a cool subplot here that most people aren't talking about enough. For the first time since 2003, four American women qualified for the singles draw.
- Coco Gauff (The defending champ)
- Amanda Anisimova (Who’s had a monster comeback year)
- Jessica Pegula (Always the most consistent player on tour)
- Madison Keys (Returning to the finals for the first time in nine years)
Half the field was wearing the Stars and Stripes. That’s insane depth. Gauff found herself in the "Stefanie Graf Group" alongside Sabalenka, Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini. It was essentially a group of death, but that's what you get when you're playing for a $5.235 million undefeated winner's check.
Breaking Down the Riyadh Vibe
The WTA Finals in Riyadh (held from November 1–8, 2025) isn't just another tournament. It’s played on fast indoor hard courts at the King Saud University Indoor Arena. Gauff has openly talked about how she "tricks her mind" at the end of the year. She treats these final weeks like practice for the next season. It takes the pressure off.
It’s a smart move. While others are dragging their feet and looking for the nearest beach, Coco is still out there grinding. Her goal is to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to successfully defend the title.
What Actually Went Down?
In the end, the 2025 title went to Elena Rybakina, who beat Sabalenka in the final. Gauff had a strong showing but couldn't quite recreate the magic of her 2024 run. But honestly? The fact that she’s 21 and already a veteran of this event says everything. She finished the year ranked No. 3 in the world, solidified her serve, and added another Major trophy to her mantle.
Most players would kill for a "bad" year that includes a Grand Slam title and a WTA Finals qualification.
Next Steps for Tennis Fans
If you want to keep tracking Gauff's progress as she heads into the 2026 season, keep a close eye on her serve stats during the Australian Open lead-up. The biomechanical changes she made with MacMillan are still being refined. Watch for her toss height and second-serve placement; if those remain consistent under pressure, she’s going to be the person to beat for the world No. 1 spot this summer.
Check the latest WTA rankings to see how the points from Riyadh have shifted the top 5, and make sure to catch her matches at the United Cup where she’s already started her 2026 campaign with a 5-0 record.