Gauff confident ahead of the WTA Finals: "This is my fourth appearance, I know what to expect"

Coco Gauff is approaching the WTA Finals in the position of defending champion and could become the first player to retain her title at the Finals in over a decade.

Gauff made a mark by winning the WTA Finals last year during its first edition held in Riyadh. The young American player overcame Zheng Qinwen in a suspenseful final.

This season's Roland-Garros champion will face Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula in the Steffi Graf Group and could become the first player to defend her title at the Finals since Serena Williams, who achieved this feat in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

However, the 21-year-old player does not want to put pressure on herself regarding this, and she appeared at a press conference before her opening match on Sunday against her compatriot Pegula.

"I know it's been a while since anyone has won this tournament back-to-back. I tell myself: 'Okay, I hope I can be that person.' But if not, so be it.

When you play this tournament, your expectations, at least personally, aren't that high because you are competing with the seven other best players in the world. It requires even more commitment than most of the tournaments we play.

This is my fourth appearance, I know what to expect. I have prepared myself mentally. We are at that point in the season where there are no more Grand Slam tournaments, the stress level is at its lowest.

I would like to have that mentality all the time, but you can't always fake it. I'm just looking forward to getting back on the court and playing in front of this crowd. I hope these WTA Finals will be successful," Gauff assured Tennis Up To Date.