Coco Gauff's season came to an end at the WTA Finals despite a comeback victory over Marta Kostyuk, as her fate was sealed by another result in the group stage.
The world No. 4 trailed 1-5 in the second set and called the physio to the court, appearing physically hampered. She then won the last six games in a row to seal a 6-4 7-5 victory and keep her hopes alive at the season-ending championships.
However, Gauff's run was cut short when Jessica Pegula beat Linda Noskova. All three women finished with a 2-1 record in the group stage, so advancement came down to sets won. Noskova had already secured her semi-final spot, leaving the two Americans to compete for the final place. Pegula saved a match point to win and take it.
A Bittersweet End to the Tournament
The 22-year-old ends her regular WTA Tour season with a 49-16 win-loss record and one title, the Cincinnati Open. She did not win a Grand Slam this season but reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the first time in her career.
After Pegula's win eliminated her, Gauff took to social media to reflect on her run. She wrote: "Bittersweet ending to a great tournament. proud of myself for how I competed this week… Sometimes things are out of your hands and that's okay :) always an honor to be a part of and compete against the top 8 players in the [world] still have bjk cup next week in my hometown:)) delray I'll see you soon."
Reflecting on the Season
Gauff also looked back on her season after her win over Kostyuk. "Anytime that I don't have a Slam in the season, there's always going to be more to be desired," she explained. "But I definitely think I made pushes and improvements, particularly on the grass court area. That was part of my game that I wanted to improve, and I improved that. Obviously, had a couple of close finals. Three sets in Rome and three sets in Miami that I kind of wish went my way, but I think I learned from those experiences."
She added: "But the overall theme of this season, my goal this season was to be consistent. I felt like, my previous seasons, I went through highs and lows. Really high highs and really low lows. I think post-Indian Wells, I pretty much was consistent from that point on and I think that's something I can continue to build on. The more I put myself in those semis and finals positions, I have faith that I'll take more titles."
Addressing the Back Injury
Gauff also addressed the back issue that affected her during her final match and led to a medical timeout in the second set. "It started a little bit in my last match, but it's not like pain. It's just blocked a little bit. So moving and stuff, I was fine. It was just a little bit on the serve. I was struggling sometimes on the forehand, but it's okay. I think it's one of those things that with some time will go away. Definitely can play through it and stuff. I just have to keep it loose."
Gauff still has a Billie Jean King Cup playoff tie to contest later this month in her hometown of Delray Beach.
