“Stop with the nonsense” – Serena Williams’ ex-coach shuts down claims of Coco Gauff intentionally ‘tanking’ to eliminate Iga Swiatek from WTA Finals
Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs has firmly refuted claims that Coco Gauff plotted to eliminate Iga Swiatek from the 2024 WTA Finals. Stubbs explained why the allegations of Gauff deliberately losing to Barbora Krejcikova were baseless
Swiatek recently fell short of defending her title at the WTA Finals, failing to reach the semifinals while Gauff clinched her maiden crown at the year-end championships. The American produced a stellar run in Riyadh, beating Jessica Pegula and the Pole to seal her spot in the final four.
Although Iga Swiatek triumphed over Barbora Krejcikova and Daria Kasatkina in the group stage, her semifinal hopes depended on Gauff beating the Czech in the final round-robin match. However, the American suffered a 7-5, 6-4 loss to Krejcikova, which knocked Swiatek out of the tournament
Coco Gauff’s loss prompted fans to accuse the World No. 3 of “tanking” the match to prevent the Pole from progressing to the semifinals. However, Rennae Stubbs has dismissed such claims, arguing that it would be illogical for the American to intentionally set up a tougher semifinal clash with Aryna Sabalenka by losing to Krejcikova.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast,’ the Australian pointed out that Gauff had more to gain by going undefeated in the tournament, as it would have entitled her to a bonus amount on top of her historic prize money of $4.8 million.
Dismissing the allegations as “nonsense,” Stubbs emphasized that Gauff wouldn’t want to enter the semifinals with a loss, especially when locking horns with World No. 1 Sabalenka, who has been the best hard-court player this season. She also highlighted that the 20-year-old was visibly upset after losing to Krejcikova.
“Coco Gauff used her opportunities much better than I did” – Iga Swiatek on WTA Finals loss to American
Iga Swiatek had entered her group stage clash with Coco Gauff at the 2024 WTA Finals as the clear favorite, given her dominant 11-1 winning record against the American. However, Gauff stunned the Pole to claim an impressive 6-3, 6-4 victory, securing her place in the semifinals.
Speaking to the press after her loss, Swiatek acknowledged that the World No. 3 was the “better player” in the contest. She also admitted that, despite their lopsided head-to-head record, it was always a challenge to beat the 20-year-old.
Putting the disappointment of her WTA Finals campaign behind her, Iga Swiatek has arrived in Malaga for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Coco Gauff, meanwhile, has ended her 2024 season, enjoying some quality time with her grandmother after returning home to Florida.
