"Literally at the airport in heels": Coco Gauff details whirlwind schedule after winning 3-hour WTA Finals thriller, apologizes for limited autographs

Coco Gauff clinched her maiden WTA Finals title by triumphing over Zheng Qinwen in a blockbuster final in Riyadh. Following her victory, the American shed light on her hectic schedule as she rushed to fulfill her post-match commitments.

Gauff and Zheng locked horns in an intense final at the year-end championships, with both players winning a set apiece to force a decider. The American then fought back from the brink of defeat to claim a thrilling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) victory after a 3-hour and 4-minute battle, marking the longest title clash in WTA Finals history.

Following the clash, Coco Gauff quickly changed into her stylish look for the champion's photoshoot, donning black jeans, a matching top, and a chic white jacket with black accents. The American traveled with the Billie Jean King Trophy to the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh for a stunning photocall.

Shortly afterward, Gauff rushed to the airport to catch her flight, bemoaning that she was still in her heels instead of comfortable footwear. The 20-year-old shared a glimpse of her airport dash, humorously admitting that she hadn't anticipated such a lengthy final.

The World No. 3 also apologized to fans for not being able to sign as many autographs as she typically did due to her hectic schedule.

"Straight from the court-->> to trophy ceremony shoot -->>> to airport 😭 literally wearing heels at the airport. was not anticipating the match to go over 3 hours so had to rush out of mindddd but hey it was worth it. also sorry I wasn't able to sign as much post match as usual I had to rush out fasttttt," Gauff posted on her Instagram story.

Coco Gauff's Instagram story

While Iga Swiatek stayed back in Riyadh to explore the sights after her exit from the WTA Finals, it appears that Coco Gauff is eager to return home to celebrate her victory and enjoy some well-deserved time off before the preseason.

"I was like, 'I'm just tired. I just want to lay on the ground'" - Coco Gauff on her celebration after WTA Finals triumph

Coco Gauff with the WTA Finals trophy (Source: Getty)

Coco Gauff's delight at her triumph was unmistakable, as she fell to the ground in jubilation after sealing her maiden WTA Finals title. The American broke new ground with her victory, becoming the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova emerged victorious in 2004 at just 17 years of age.

Speaking in her post-match press conference, the 20-year-old explained that while she had intended to save this celebration for Grand Slam titles, the grueling match left her so exhausted that she had to lie on the ground in relief.

"At the end of the match, when I, like, fell on the floor, I didn't think I was going to do that. I kind of, like, made a promise to myself that I will only save that for Grand Slams. But honestly, to the way the match went, I was like, 'I'm just tired. I just want to lay on the ground,'" Gauff said.

Coco Gauff's triumph in Riyadh marked her third title of the season, sealing her year-end World No. 3 finish behind Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.