But that run came to an end thanks to Barbora Krejcikova, who despite finishing the season outside the top eight in the world, qualified for the WTA Finals by winning Wimbledon in July.

She defeated Gauff 7-5, 6-4 to not only reach the semi-finals in Riyadh but also top the group for the world number three.

According to Tracy Austin, what went wrong for Coco Gauff against Barbora Krejcikova at the WTA Finals?

It is usually Coco Gauff’s serve or forehand that is the main reason for losing matches. Against Krejcikova it was the latter, as the Czech player consistently targeted her opponent’s forehand.

She attacked it with speed and variety, which Gauff struggled with and was key to the Wimbledon champion’s latest win, as Tracy Austin explained on Tennis Channel.

“The forehand broke,” the 61-year-old said. “The service was good for Coco. She’s changed her grip a little more to the right, which seems to have really helped her serve.

“A few double faults, a lot of aces, I think you said 10. But the forehand with Krejcikova’s variation, lifting and hitting hard, sliced. There were many misses on the forehand.

“Now Coco suddenly plays against Sabalenka in the semi-finals. It really is a surprising day. I thought Coco and Sabelenka played the best today, but they both lost their last match.”

Coco Gauff’s defeat to Barbora Krejcikova at the WTA Finals was bad news for Iga Swiatek

Gauff’s defeat to Krejcikova means she finished second in her group and will play Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals.

The pair played twice in 2024 and the Belarusian won both times. The result also had significant consequences for Iga Swiatek.

She needed Gauff to win her final group match to advance, but the world number three suffered a defeat and therefore Swiatek’s WTA Finals title defense is now over.

However, the Polish player seemed oblivious to this and when told at the post-match press conference, she seemed perplexed.

“Um, you mean it didn’t matter? Why not? Oh, well…thanks,” she said with a smile. Swiatek’s attention now turns to the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Malaga, which start on November 13.

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