Coco Gauff arrived in Riyadh on October 27 ahead of the 2025 WTA Finals, set to take place from November 1 to 8. The American star returns to the Middle East aiming to defend her title after a season marked by highs and lows. She shared her arrival with fans via Instagram, posting a photo of the champions’ wall at King Saud University Indoor Arena, where her image from last year’s triumph was displayed.
“Last stop of the year 😌,” Gauff wrote in her Instagram story.
A season of contrast
Gauff’s 2025 campaign began with promise, especially during the European clay swing where she captured her second career Major at Roland Garros in June. However, the momentum faded over the summer, with early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open. Her ranking dipped, and questions emerged about her consistency.
She responded in October with a title run at the Wuhan Open, defeating Jasmine Paolini and Jessica Pegula without dropping a set. That victory marked her second title of the year and reignited hopes heading into the WTA Finals.
Defending the Riyadh crown
Gauff won the inaugural Riyadh-based WTA Finals in 2024, overcoming a rocky start to claim the title. After losing her opening match to Barbora Krejčíková, she rebounded with straight-set wins over Jessica Pegula and Iga Świątek to reach the semifinals. There, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka before edging Zheng Qinwen in a dramatic three-set final lasting over three hours.
Her performance last year was a turning point, especially after a difficult season that included parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert. The victory in Riyadh helped reestablish her as one of the tour’s elite players.
Eyes on back-to-back titles
If Gauff triumphs again in Riyadh, it would mark her first back-to-back singles titles since 2023, when she won Cincinnati and the US Open. With a current five-match winning streak and renewed confidence, she enters the tournament as one of the favorites.
The WTA Finals will not only test her form but also offer a chance to close the season on a high note, reinforcing her status as a top contender heading into 2026.
Cori Gauff in 2025
Ranked world no.3, Coco played her last match on the 12th of October when she overcame world no.5 Jessica Pegula 6-4 7-5 in the final in Wuhan to win her 12th career title.
Presently, during this year Gauff owns a 47-14 record. Coco has won 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, French Open and Wuhan. Gauff reached the final in Madrid and Rome.