“Absolutely disgraceful, Coco Gauff lost on purpose… Have some shame” – Fans furious as American’s loss eliminates Iga Swiatek at WTA Finals

Gauff entered her final group stage contest against Krejcikova at the 2024 WTA Finals after winning against Swiatek and Jessica Pegula in straight sets. Meanwhile, Krejickova had lost to Swiatek in three sets before beating Pegula in two. With Gauff confirmed to reach the knockout stage, the Czech and Pole were in contention for the second spot.

Swiatek, the defending champion, did her part by beating Daria Kasatkina, who replaced an injured Pegula, 6-1, 6-0, but needed Gauff to beat Krejcikova to ensure her qualification to the semifinals. However, it was not meant to be for the five-time Grand Slam champion. Krejcikova delivered a solid performance and profited from Gauff’s numerous errors to win the contest 7-5, 6-4 and take the second knockout spot.

Tennis fans, saddened to see Iga Swiatek bow out of the competition in the group stage, took to social media to slam Coco Gauff for not giving her best against Krejcikova. Many alleged that the American intentionally performed below par to stop the Pole from reaching the semifinals.

“She is soooo unserious for that lmaooo,” a fan wrote.

“You could see that Coco wasn’t even trying to win this match Thanks to that Iga was eliminated,” said another fan.

“Coco did it on purpose Her joy at the end of the match… she’s so pathetic,” a fan tweeted.

“Coco Gauff gonna lose just so she doesn’t have to face iga again . What a fucking loser,” a fan wrote on X.

A few fans also alleged that Gauff lost to Krejcikova so she would not potentially face Swiatek in the final. The Pole comfortably leads the American in head-to-head contests, 11-2.

“Absolutely disgraceful, she lost on purpose, I know 11-2 is painful for her, but have some shame girl. One of the most shameful moments in WTA history, we will never forget this,” a fan tweeted.

“Lost a ton of respect for Coco Gauff, she throwing this match because she doesn’t want Iga to advance and destroy her. So cowardly of her,” a fan commented.

“Whatever happens in 2025 season I beg you @iga_swiatek don’t ever loose to Gauff again,” a fan said.

Not all fans had the same view, with one opining that even if Gauff had lost to Krejcikova without a fight, it was smart of her to do so as it ensured the elimination of her biggest foe on the tour.

“Listen I’m all for winning all the time but if I’m Gauff and I have the chance to eliminate Swiatek if I lose I’m losing lol. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do lol,” another fan wrote.

Coco Gauff to face Aryna Sabalenka in WTA Finals SF; Barbora Krejcikova up against Zheng Qinwen

Coco Gauff has reached the WTA Finals knockout stage for the second year in a row. The former US Open champion qualified for the year-end championship after winning two tour titles, including the WTA 1000 in Beijing. She will now face off against top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the 2024 WTA Finals on November 8.

Sabalenka defeated Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini before losing to Elena Rybakina in her group-stage matches in Riyadh. She is tied 4-4 in head-to-head contests against Coco Gauff, with the Belarusian winning their latest contest at the China Open.

Barbora Krejcikova will face off against Zheng Qinwen in the other semifinal at the 2024 WTA Finals. Both women have reached the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time in their careers. Zheng leads Krejcikova 1-0 in head-to-head contests, beating the Wimbledon champion in the final of the 2023 Zhengzhou Open.