Coco Gauff hints at WTA Finals overhaul after clarifying 'stupid' criticism

"The scenarios, I know they make sense, but they're kinda stupid. If I win my match [Thursday] and I still don't qualify, I'm like, 'It's okay, it's cool.' I'm looking forward to next year. I can't say much, but everybody knows that has to change," Gauff said.

The American did win her final round-robin match against Marta Kostyuk but failed to reach the semi-finals, with Jessica Pegula claiming the remaining qualification spot.

After her exit from the 2026 WTA Finals was confirmed, Gauff clarified what she meant by her criticism of the format.

Speaking to Tennis Channel after beating Kostyuk, she explained: "I wasn't saying the format was stupid. I was saying if you get in your head while you're playing into all the scenarios, that's stupid."

However, Gauff also hinted that significant changes to the WTA Finals could be on the way, suggesting she had heard something about a potential overhaul.

"Did I leak info that's kind of already out there? Sue me, I don't know," she said.

It remains unclear exactly what changes are being considered, but a return to a straight knockout format would be disappointing.

The round-robin stage gives the WTA Finals a distinctive character, setting it apart from the knockout tournaments that dominate the rest of the tennis calendar.

Removing that element could make the season-ending event feel less special, particularly for the eight players who have worked their way into the elite field after a gruelling year.

Before 2002, the WTA Finals used a straight knockout format featuring the top 16 players on the WTA Tour. However, reverting to that system would offer little that fans do not already see throughout the season.

Simply expanding the field to 16 players would not necessarily make the tournament more attractive either. While it could create opportunities for rising stars such as Alexandra Eala, the additional places would not automatically bring more star power.

Players currently ranked between eighth and 16th, including Elise Mertens, Sorana Cirstea and Maja Chwalinska, would not necessarily add significant appeal in terms of television audiences or ticket sales.

Whatever the eventual changes might be, Gauff's comments suggest that a major rethink of the WTA Finals format could be closer than previously thought.

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