© Getty Images Sport – Sarah Stier
Former world No 5 Daniela Hantuchova thinks Coco Gauff “has a lot in common with Serena Williams” as the Slovak thinks the 19-year-old American is the top WTA Finals favorite. Post-Wimbledon, Gauff has had the most success on the WTA Tour, having won three titles, including her first Grand Slam win at the US Open.
During the Asian swing, Gauff returned to action at a WTA 1000 event in Beijing – where she reached the semifinal before losing to Iga Swiatek. Gauff has been outstanding over the last few months and Hantuchova believes the world No 3 could cap off her great season with a maiden WTA Finals win.
“It’s super packed, but if I have to pick one favorite, it’s Coco Gauff. She won the last Grand Slam, she likes the hard surface, she’s a big fighter and she has a lot in common with Serena. She loves the big stage and when all eyes are on her, so that’s why I favor her,” Hantuchova said on the Livesport Daily podcast.
Hantuchova backs Gauff to have a good WTA Finals run
After winning her first WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati and then also becoming a Grand Slam champion at Flushing Meadows, there is no doubt that Gauff will be motivated to also win her first WTA Finals title in Cancun.
This year, Gauff is set to make her second appearance at the WTA Finals. Last year, Gauff didn’t enjoy a memorable WTA Finals run as she went 0-3 in her group stage match. But Gauff is in a much better form this time and she will definitely be considered among the top favorites for the title in Cancun.
“Yeah, one of the goals that I set earlier in the year was for me to do well in the big events, do better on the 1000 level. I accomplished that goal. I’m really proud of myself,” Gauff said in Beijing.
