COCO Gauff secured a position in the semifinals of the WTA Finals after defeating defending champion Iga Swiatek.
The American (US) tennis player beat Swiatek 6-3, 6-4 to follow Aryna Sabalenka into the last four of the tennis tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Gauff’s victory ensures that Sabalenka will be world number one at the end of the year because Swiatek will certainly not be able to catch up.
news">Also read: Swiatek Beats Gauff in the WTA Finals Group Stage
This was Gauff’s second win over Swiatek in 13 meetings between the two.
“It feels amazing,” Gauff said. “Even though I lost in the head-to-head, I am full of confidence and optimistic that I can win.
“The reason is, even though I have lost more, I always make things difficult. That gives me confidence so that this time I can win,” continued the 20 year old tennis player.
In the previous match, Gauff’s compatriot, Jessica Pegula, became the second player to be eliminated from the WTA Finals after Elena Rybakina, Sein (4/11). This was confirmed after Pegula surrendered 6-3 and 6-3 to Barbora Krejcikova.
Swiatek must beat Pegula in the final match of the Orange Group, Thursday (7/11) if she wants to advance to the semifinals of the WTA Finals. (bbc/Z-1)
#Bending #Ribs #Swiatek #Coco #Gauff #Advances #Semifinals #WTA #Finals
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**Short Interview with Casper Ruud**
**Interviewer:** Casper, it’s great to have you with us! You’ve mentioned in recent interviews that you’re always looking for ways to develop yourself as a player. Can you elaborate on what that means for you?
**Casper Ruud:** Thank you for having me! Developing as a player is crucial, especially in a competitive field like tennis. For me, it involves a combination of improving my physical fitness, refining my technique, and experimenting with my strategies on the court. I believe that while it’s important to recognize my strengths, exploring new areas of improvement helps to keep my game fresh and evolving.
**Interviewer:** You’ve achieved an impressive ranking, having reached as high as No. 2 in the world. How do you stay grounded amidst such high expectations?
**Casper Ruud:** It’s definitely a balancing act. I try to focus on my own goals and progression rather than the external pressures. Having a supportive team also helps me stay grounded. I remind myself that tennis is about enjoyment and growth as much as it is about rankings and titles.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about style — both on and off the court. How do you see your aesthetic playing a role in your public persona?
**Casper Ruud:** I think it’s important to be yourself, both in how you play and how you present yourself. I enjoy dressing well and taking pride in my appearance, but most importantly, I want people to see me for my dedication to the sport and my passion for tennis. I hope that comes across just as much as my style does.
**Interviewer:** Casper, what’s next for you in your career? Any specific goals you’re aiming for?
**Casper Ruud:** Absolutely! I always aim for consistent performances, especially in Grand Slams. My immediate goal is to keep improving my game, focusing on my mental strength and maintaining a competitive edge. That’s where I see myself making the biggest leap forward in the coming months.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Casper. We look forward to seeing you in action!
**Casper Ruud:** Thank you! I appreciate your time.