Chris Evert makes her feelings known about Coco Gauff's maiden WTA Finals triumph, gives her verdict on fellow American's "mental toughness"
Coco Gauff has ended her 2024 season on a high note, clinching her biggest title of the year at the WTA Finals. The 20-year-old's remarkable victory caught the attention of tennis legend Chris Evert, who showered praise on the young American.
Gauff delivered an impressive campaign at the WTA Finals, claiming a commanding straight sets win over Jessica Pegula and overcoming her 1-11 record against Iga Swiatek to secure a coveted spot in the semifinals. The American then defeated Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(4), 6-3 to set up a blockbuster title clash with Zheng Qinwen.
The 20-year-old displayed her impressive resilience in the final, fighting back to force a decider after losing the opening set. Although Zheng had the opportunity to serve for the match in the tense third set, Gauff held her nerve to secure a crucial break of serve. The World No. 3 went on to claim a stellar 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) victory after a 3-hour and 4-minute battle to clinch her maiden WTA Finals title.
Chris Evert was particularly struck by Coco Gauff's remarkable "mental toughness" during the dramatic encounter, asserting that her fortitude stood out amid her powerful forehand and consistent serve.
"The forehand was impressive, the serving consistent and powerful, but what stood out, as always, was the mental toughness of @CocoGauff @WTAFinalsRiyadh," Evert posted on X.
Evert has often displayed her support for Gauff. Earlier this year, the 18-time Grand Slam champion disclosed that she "cried" over the 20-year-old being chosen as the flagbearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, a role she felt was well-deserved.
Coco Gauff: "Chris Evert's a very, very kind person, she texts me sometimes... A lot of her messages are just advice"
Coco Gauff and Chris Every enjoy a close personal relationship, having developed a strong connection over text. During a press conference at the 2024 Miami Open, the 20-year-old described Evert as a "very kind" person, disclosing that she often made the effort to check in on the 18-time Grand Slam champion amid her battle with ovarian cancer.
Gauff also shed light on the nature of their conversations, revealing that Evert would often reach out to her with advice or words of encouragement after her matches.
"I'll be honest. I didn't grow up watching a lot of her tapes just because she was a couple generations past me. But I've gotten to know her off the court a little bit more," Coco Gauff said.
"She's a very, very kind person. She texts me sometimes. I always try to text her, especially with the recent news of her illness and everything," she added. "A lot of her messages are just advice on some matches or just, Good job, How are you doing, regular messages."
Coco Gauff further expressed her admiration for Chris Evert's lasting impact on the sport and her "timeless" on-court fashion, sharing that she often came across the former World No. 1's memorable looks on social media.