Coco Gauff’s 2024 season can be summed up in two halves. While she didn’t have the best of starts to the season, Gauff ended her year on a positive note by winning the WTA Finals title. However, much was expected from her, especially after winning the US Open title last season. Additionally, Gauff had a poor run in the American Swing and lost in the round of 16 of the US Open. Amid her up and down form, tennis insider and former British pro, Tim Henman, reasoned her inconsistent run this year.

After the WTA season came to a close, the likes of Henman, Gigi Salmon, and Laura Robson got together to review the 2024 season. While players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka dominated the headlines, Gauff’s performances also came under the scanner. During that conversation, Henman revealed what led to Gauff’s downfall.

He said, “The emotional management and stress of competing in these big tournaments, and I think it is fair to say that the summer hard court season in America, she just didn’t look comfortable. She had the weight and the expectations of being the US Open champion and coming to defend her title and she was never really able to break free of those shackles but you know, post US Open, going to Asia, she played some amazing tennis.”

Apart from the WTA Finals, Gauff managed to win a couple of more titles at the ASB Classic and the China Open. However, she failed to perform consistently and the biggest disappointment came at the American Swing, where she didn’t go beyond the pre-quarterfinals in any of the tournaments.

Moreover, Gauff had a tough time against two of her rivals ranked above her, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. In the three matches played against Sabalenka in 2024, Gauff won just a solitary match and a similar record against Swiatek resulted this season. Further, their rivalry is set to heat up next year as Gauff has found her mojo back after WTA Finals win.

Gauff defeated Swiatek at the WTA Finals in the group stage. Following her win, she made a candid confession about beating her biggest rival Swiatek at her own game.

Coco Gauff after overcoming Iga Swiatek’s challenge: ‘It feels great’

The American star won just her second match against Swiatek in 13 attempts at the WTA Finals. As a result, Gauff was relieved to finally overcome Swiatek against whom she has a record of 11 losses and 2 wins. Subsequently, emotions overflowed and Gauff expressed how happy she was defeating Swiatek.

Gauff revealed, “It feels great. I knew going into the match that, despite our head-to-head, I had a lot of confidence. I felt like I was playing great tennis. Even when I was playing a little bit sloppy in the games I lost, they were still going to deuce, so that gave me confidence. I knew if I could find my game and stay solid, I’d have the chance to close out the match. From the ground, on the return of serve, I think I had three games in a row with break points. But I didn’t let that discourage me. I knew I was going to get it eventually. Even in the last game, I missed two forehand returns but I told myself, ‘It’s ok, I’ll get the next one,” and I did!”

Moreover, Gauff has already begun her preparations for the 2025 season. She will play in the United Cup before the Australian Open and won’t defend her ASB Classic title. Can Gauff win a major trophy next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.