In a thrilling display of resilience, Coco Gauff defied the odds to keep her WTA Finals dream alive, delivering a commanding straight-sets victory over Jasmine Paolini. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Gauff’s mental fortitude and ability to rise in high-pressure moments are undeniable, some critics argue that her inconsistency earlier in the tournament raises questions about her long-term dominance. Is she a clutch performer or a player still finding her footing? Let’s dive in.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Jean-Christophe Faurel, Gauff’s long-time coach, has always been in awe of her ability to deliver when it matters most. “She has this unique talent to shut out distractions and just close out matches,” he remarked ahead of the tournament. “Take the French Open final, for example. While other players might glance at their box or let nerves creep in, Coco stays laser-focused. She’s in the zone, and that’s what sets her apart.”
Gauff’s triumph at Roland Garros earlier this year was a defining moment, propelling her to her fourth consecutive WTA Finals. On Tuesday, facing potential elimination, the 21-year-old No. 3 seed dug deep, securing a 6-3, 6-2 win over No. 8 seed Paolini. While Paolini’s straight-sets loss sealed her exit from the Stefanie Graf Group, Gauff’s fate hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcome of the match between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.
“This was a massive mental win for me,” Gauff admitted post-match. “I knew I had to step up, and I treated it like it could be my last match of the season. That mindset has been my driving force here.”
Paolini, who entered the tournament under the weather, struggled to find her rhythm. “It’s tough to compete at this level when you’re not 100%,” she reflected. “I’m disappointed, but I have to accept it.”
And this is the part most people miss: Gauff’s opening match against Pegula was a rollercoaster of errors, with 17 double faults and 45 unforced errors. Against Paolini, however, she was a picture of precision, committing just three double faults and winning 35 of 50 service points. Her second serve, in particular, was stellar, winning 15 of 19 points. This marked her 33rd career Top 10 win, a testament to her growing prowess.
“I’m proud of how I bounced back,” Gauff said. “I focused on the basics and didn’t overthink. Maybe I was serving too hard against Jess, so I slowed it down this time.”
Paolini, despite her singles struggles (1-4 record at the WTA Finals), remains a force in doubles alongside partner Sara Errani. Interestingly, she had won three of her four matches against Gauff this year, but Gauff flipped the script with a straight-sets victory in Wuhan last month.
The match itself was a study in contrasts. Gauff broke Paolini’s serve early and raced to a 3-0 lead, surviving a love-40 scare with patient defense. Paolini fought back, earning three chances to level at 4-all, but Gauff’s clutch play secured a 5-3 lead. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Gauff breaking serve in the fifth and seventh games to seal the win.
At 21, Gauff is the youngest player in the singles draw, and her showdown with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday could determine her semifinal fate. With an impressive 11-3 record in finals at the Hologic WTA Tour level, Faurel believes her clutch gene is undeniable. “People say it’s been a great year, but Coco wants more,” he added. “Two Slams are just the beginning.”
Controversial question for you: Is Coco Gauff’s ability to perform under pressure a sign of true greatness, or does her inconsistency earlier in the tournament suggest she still has ground to cover? Let us know in the comments!
