Coco Gauff explains what happens to her after the US Open that always makes her play better

Coco Gauff has been in fine form since losing in the fourth round of this year’s US Open.

Bouncing back from her defeat to Naomi Osaka in New York, Gauff returned to form at the China Open.

There, she reached the semifinals before losing to her fellow American Amanda Anisimova.

Heading over to Wuhan, Gauff won her first WTA 1000 title of the season, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gauff explained what always happens to her once the Grand Slam season draws to a close.

Coco Gauff says her stress is ‘at the lowest’ when the Grand Slam season finishes
The American number one says she plays better when the pressure of Grand Slam tennis isn’t weighing her down.

I would love to have that mindset everywhere, but not always! I think that’s the main thing.

“Also, the fan support, they give you a lot of gifts, and you feel really welcome.

“It’s one of those events where you feel really relaxed but not too relaxed, because the fans keep you engaged.”

Coco Gauff speaks to the media ahead of the 2025 WTA Finals
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Gauff has already enjoyed plenty of success in Asia this year, but wants to finish with a flourish and defend her WTA Finals crown.

“I feel like it’s been a long time since anyone defending, so it’s like I hope I am that person, but whatever!” she said.

“Also, whenever you are playing this tournament, you know your expectations for me, at least personally, are not so high because you are playing the top eight in the world.

2025 WTA Finals field
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Coco Gauff
4. Amanda Anisimova
5. Jessica Pegula
6. Elena Rybakina
7. Madison Keys
8. Jasmine Paolini
“I played my first couple of WTA Finals, and I didn’t do so well. I know it’s going to be tough, and I don’t think it’s going to be any easier just because I won last year.”

Gauff knows how tough the competition can be at the tour finals, but how many matches has she won at the event so far?

Coco Gauff’s record at the WTA Finals
The American made her WTA Finals debut in 2022, losing all three matches as she failed to advance to the semifinals.

Coco Gauff’s record at the 2022 WTA Finals
Match Opponent Result Score
2022 WTA Finals – RR Caroline Garcia LOSS 4-6, 3-6
2022 WTA Finals – RR Daria Kasatkina LOSS 6-7, 3-6
2022 WTA Finals – RR Iga Swiatek LOSS 3-6, 0-6
Coco Gauff at the 2022 WTA Finals
Returning a year later, Gauff made her way through to the semifinals, coming back from a set down in her final group stage match to secure qualification.

Coco Gauff’s record at the 2023 WTA Finals
Match Opponent Result Score
2023 WTA Finals – RR Ons Jabeur WIN 6-0, 6-1
2023 WTA Finals – RR Iga Swiatek LOSS 0-6, 5-7
2023 WTA Finals – RR Marketa Vondrousova WIN 5-7, 7-6, 6-3
2023 WTA Finals – SF Jessica Pegula LOSS 6-2, 6-1
Coco Gauff at the 2023 WTA Finals
Losing to Jessica Pegula in the semis, Gauff was determined to go all the way in 2024, and did just that.

Coco Gauff’s record at the 2024 WTA Finals
Match Opponent Result Score
2024 WTA Finals – RR Jessica Pegula WIN 6-3, 6-2
2024 WTA Finals – RR Iga Swiatek WIN 6-3, 6-4
2024 WTA Finals – RR Barbora Krejcikova LOSS 5-7, 4-6
2024 WTA Finals – SF Aryna Sabalenka WIN 7-6, 6-3
2024 WTA Finals – F Qinwen Zheng WIN 3-6, 6-4, 7-6
Coco Gauff at the 2024 WTA Final
Defeating Qinwen Zheng in the final, Gauff won the WTA Finals for the first time in her career, improving her record at the event to 6-6.

Coco Gauff celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2024 WTA Finals
Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images
Only time will tell if she can defend her title in 2025, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.