Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Thursday, 30 October 2025, 22:04 / Updated on Thursday, 30 October 2025 22:08
The world number 3, Coco Gauff (21 years old), wants to defend the title won in 2024 at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, but she is also aware that she can leave the Top 3 in case of an unfortunate result. She revealed that she stays grounded because of her faith.
In 2024, Coco Gauff he ended an oscillating season on the rise, even if during it he had reached the best ranking of his career, the 2nd place in the world. In the last part, however, with the titles from WuhanWTA 1000 tournament and especially WTA Finalsset the stage for what was to come.
Exactly 12 months later, with another Grand Slam trophy in the window, the American player is in Riyadh to validate her previous triumph. But she can also lose the 3rd place in the world, she will navigate between extremes.
The Tournament of Champions is scheduled between November 1 and 8, and Coco is part of Stefanie Graff's group, alongside the main favourite, Aryna Sabalenkaof Jessica Pegulaworld 5th place, and of Jasmine Paolininumber 8 WTA.
Coco Gauff: “I feel like this is the life I wanted”
“I feel like where I'm at right now is where I think I'm supposed to be. I feel like this is the life I've wanted and I'm working for every day,” Gauff said in the days leading up to the competition, looking back at what she's accomplished so far in an interview with the WTA.
“Definitely, for the first four years of my career, I couldn't believe that I was actually on the circuit, fulfilling my dream. I'm usually happy on the court, people don't believe it because I look very serious, but inside I'm happy. I'm happy when I win Roland Garros, like it happened this year, but I'm also happy when I play with my brother, for example“, she compared with a smile.
“I think success means, without a doubt, achieving your goals. At least that's how it is in tennis, but also in life,” added Gauff, who entered the competitive world very early, at 14 years old. “I definitely believe that being happy is the greatest reward you can have. When I was little I wanted to be the best tennis player in the world, that was my goal, and I say that because it still is“, she elaborated.
“At the time, that was what was on my mind the most, I want to be world No. 1 one day and win many more Grand Slams, but for now I'm nowhere near satisfied,” she added, reflecting on a whole that includes tennis but doesn't let it take over.
Coco Gauff with the trophy from Roland Garros 2025 Photo: Roland Garros
Now that I'm an adult, I'm starting to think about other goals off the field. Before, when I was little, everything was tennis – Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff: “This will be a constant battle throughout my career”
2025 brought him smiles as well as bitter disappointments, one of them being the elimination in the first round at Wimbledon, only three weeks after the triumph at Roland Garros.
Coco Gauff, the winner of Roland Garros 2025, eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon. Photo: Imago Images
“I want to remain my biggest fan, be positive on the court and really believe in myself. Sometimes there will be times during the season where I will lack confidence, but it is clear to me that this will be a constant battle throughout my career“, assumed the American.
“The last thing I do before bed is to pray, it keeps me grounded, it's what helps me remember that life is so much more than tennis or sports,” she philosophized.
47of wins and 14 losses has Coco Gauff in the 2025 season
“The athlete is usually immersed in his results, which can affect the mood, so I try to stay away from that. I'm grateful for everything I have outside of tennis, so I try to be the best person I can be, that's the biggest reflection of my faith“, Coco concluded.
