Coco Gauff breaks history in Saudi Arabia despite initial reservations about competing there.

Now, it's difficult to envision Coco Gauff regretting her decision to play in Saudi Arabia this week, despite initial concerns.

On Saturday, the 20-year-old won her first tournament title by defeating Zheng Qinwen of China in the WTA Finals.

Despite losing the first set 3-6, Gauff went on to win the next two sets 6-4 and 7-6 (7-2), making him the youngest winner of the event since 2004, when Maria Sharapova achieved it at the age of 17.

Gauff emerged victorious in the round-robin tournament, defeating Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krejčíková, and Aryna Sabalenka, who she had previously defeated in the 2023 U.S. Open final.

Gauff had reservations about playing in Saudi Arabia prior to the tournament due to the country's treatment of women and the LGBTQ community.

Gauff admitted that she had reservations about coming to the tournament, knowing that she was a well-known player and had a lot to say. She was heavily involved in the planning process, making as many calls as possible with the WTA. One of her main concerns was that they needed a solid plan in place before they could compete.

"Clearly, I am a woman. I was deeply worried. My father was highly concerned about my arrival," she stated.

Gauff spoke to Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, the 11th Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the U.S., to discuss the treatment of women in the country.

Gauff stated that they conversed with numerous women in Saudi Arabia, including Princess Reema. She received multiple calls from her regarding the best way to enter into a new place that women from the U.S. have never been in before.

Gauff now feels responsible for improving the country's human rights record.

"Sports can open doors to people, and in order to want change, one must see it. For me, sports are the easiest way to introduce that," she said.

"With the WTA's commitment to supporting the future Stars Program in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, more Saudi women have been introduced to the sport. Their goal is to have a million people playing tennis in the country by 2030. I believe that this will help people recognize and appreciate what we stand for, ultimately leading to more equality."

Gauff's 2024 season, marked by two major semifinal losses and two more in the Round of 16, culminated in a victory. She also won her first doubles major at the French Open with Erin Routliffe of New Zealand and will end the season as the third-ranked player in the world.

At the Olympics this past summer, Gauff, like LeBron James, was a flagbearer, but she lost in the third round of the tournament.

Planet Chronicle' Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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