Coco Gauff has expressed her pride in placing her name alongside Serena Williams with her triumph at the 2024 China Open. The 20-year-old’s victory marks her second title of the season, following her triumphant campaign at the ASB Classic in January.
After a disappointing run at the US Open and the subsequent shakeup in her coaching team, Gauff has clinched her second WTA 1000 title. The American claimed a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over Karolina Muchova in the final, extending her perfect record against the Czech to 3-0 and climbing two spots to become the World No. 4.The 20-year-old made history with her triumph, becoming the only woman in the Open Era to win each of her first seven hardcourt finals on the WTA tour. She also became the first American woman to triumph at the event in Beijing since Serena Williams emerged victorious in 2013.
Coco Gauff reflected on the historic achievement in her post-match press conference, expressing her delight at breaking new ground in women’s tennis.
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool, considering there’s been so many great players before me in the Open Era. Honestly, with the stat things, I feel like every tournament, it’s a new stat or new record. I’m very thankful,” she said.
“I would be excited to see when the next stat is, the next girl, I don’t know who, will be the first person to do this since Coco Gauff. I’m excited to see that, honestly,” she added.
Gauff was particularly thrilled to follow in Serena Williams’ footsteps with her China Open triumph, emphasizing that it was a “huge honor” to have her name associated with the 23-time Grand Slam champion. The 20-year-old also expressed her belief that records were meant to be broken, expressing her desire to see another player surpass her feat.
Coco Gauff’s victory at the 2024 China Open is a milestone not just for her personal career but also in the broader context of women’s tennis. By winning this WTA 1000 title, Gauff has firmly etched her name into the sport’s history, placing herself alongside legendary figures like Serena Williams. At just 20 years old, Gauff’s achievements this season, which include her earlier triumph at the ASB Classic in January, are a testament to her growing dominance on the court.
Gauff’s win in Beijing is particularly significant because it marks her second WTA 1000 title. She faced off against Czech star Karolina Muchova in the final, securing a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory. This victory was not just a routine win for Gauff; it extended her perfect record against Muchova to 3-0 and moved her up two spots in the world rankings, making her the World No. 4.
For Gauff, this victory carries even more weight because of the history tied to the China Open. She became the first American woman to win the prestigious tournament since Serena Williams’ victory in 2013. By winning the event in Beijing, Gauff didn’t just claim another trophy—she aligned herself with one of the greatest athletes in tennis history, which is something she acknowledges with great pride.
A Journey to Redemption After the US Open
Gauff’s success at the China Open comes after a period of adversity. Her disappointing run at the US Open and the subsequent shakeup in her coaching team left many questioning how she would rebound. However, her response has been nothing short of remarkable. Not only has she claimed another major title, but her performances throughout the tournament showcased a level of maturity and skill that reflects her growth as a player.
The China Open victory is also a testament to her ability to learn from setbacks. After the US Open, many expected Gauff to take time to rebuild her confidence, but instead, she doubled down on her efforts, restructured her team, and came back stronger than ever. In doing so, she has proven that she belongs at the very top of the sport.
A Record-Breaking Triumph
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gauff’s win in Beijing is the fact that she became the only woman in the Open Era to win each of her first seven hardcourt finals on the WTA tour. This feat highlights her consistency and ability to perform under pressure on one of the most challenging surfaces in tennis. Hardcourts require a combination of speed, agility, and power—attributes that Gauff has honed throughout her career, and especially this season.
This record-breaking achievement is even more impressive when considering the rich history of women’s tennis. Gauff’s ability to dominate in such a competitive era is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and mental fortitude. Her success on the hardcourt is a reflection of her broader development as a player, and it’s clear that she has the tools to continue breaking records for years to come.
Gauff’s Reflections on Her Achievement
In her post-match press conference, Gauff was visibly thrilled with her historic accomplishment. She expressed her excitement about becoming the first woman to achieve such a record in the Open Era, but she also emphasized the importance of remaining humble and thankful for the opportunity to compete at such a high level.
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool, considering there’s been so many great players before me in the Open Era. Honestly, with the stat things, I feel like every tournament, it’s a new stat or new record. I’m very thankful,” Gauff said during her interview.
What stands out about Gauff’s comments is her forward-looking mentality. Rather than resting on her laurels, she’s already thinking about the future and the potential for another player to surpass her records. This level of humility, combined with her competitive drive, suggests that Gauff is focused not only on her own legacy but also on the broader progression of the sport.
“I would be excited to see when the next stat is, the next girl, I don’t know who, will be the first person to do this since Coco Gauff. I’m excited to see that, honestly,” she added. This mindset of seeing records as stepping stones rather than finish lines is indicative of her broader philosophy about tennis and success.
Following in Serena Williams’ Footsteps
Of course, one of the most significant aspects of Gauff’s victory is the connection to Serena Williams. For years, Gauff has been compared to the 23-time Grand Slam champion, and in many ways, she has embraced that comparison. Williams’ influence on Gauff’s career has been immense, and now, with her triumph in Beijing, Gauff has taken another step toward following in her idol’s footsteps.
Gauff was particularly thrilled to have her name associated with Serena Williams, calling it a “huge honor” during her press conference. Williams, who has long been an inspiration for many young tennis players, is a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and dominance in the sport. For Gauff, being mentioned in the same breath as Serena Williams is a testament to the hard work she’s put in throughout her career.
However, Gauff is also keenly aware that records are meant to be broken. She expressed her desire to see another player surpass her feat, emphasizing that the future of women’s tennis is bright and that new stars will continue to emerge.
A Bright Future for Coco Gauff
At 20 years old, Coco Gauff’s future is incredibly bright. Her victory at the China Open is just the latest chapter in what promises to be a storied career. With two titles under her belt this season and a steady climb up the world rankings, Gauff is poised to become one of the dominant forces in women’s tennis for years to come.
Her ability to bounce back from disappointment, her record-breaking performances, and her connection to legends like Serena Williams all point to a player who is not just focused on winning but also on leaving a lasting legacy in the sport. As Gauff continues to break new ground, fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see what she achieves next.