Indian Wells, USA – Coco Gauff has criticised the round-robin format at the 2026 WTA Finals, describing the qualification calculations as “kind of stupid” after suffering a straight-sets defeat to Linda Noskova.
The American made the comments following her 6-3, 6-3 loss to the Czech player on Tuesday, a result that has left her qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Gauff, the 2024 WTA Finals champion, struggled to contain Noskova, who produced an impressive performance to secure her second consecutive victory in the group.
Noskova's win guaranteed her a place in the semi-finals, while Gauff and fellow American Jessica Pegula remain in contention for the remaining qualifying position.
Gauff questions the qualification system
Speaking after the match, Gauff expressed frustration with the possibility of winning her final group match but still failing to progress because of the tournament's tie-breaking rules.
“The scenarios, I know they make sense, but they're kinda stupid. I know it's like the point thing, all of the sets and all of that,” Gauff said.
“I'm just trying to win a match. If I win my match and I still don't qualify, it's okay, it's cool.”
She also hinted that changes could be made to the competition's format ahead of next year's edition.
“I'm looking forward to next year. I can't say much, but everybody knows that has to change,” she added.
Noskova secures semi-final place
Noskova's victory over Gauff followed her opening-round success against Marta Kostyuk, allowing the Czech star to qualify for the last four without dropping a set.
Meanwhile, Pegula kept her hopes alive with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Kostyuk, leaving the American and Gauff with one win each.
Gauff will face Kostyuk in her final group match on Thursday, while Pegula takes on Noskova.
The outcome of those encounters will determine the remaining semi-finalist from the group, with set percentage and other tie-break criteria potentially becoming decisive.
WTA Finals set for another change
The debate over the competition's format comes as the WTA Finals prepares for another venue change, with Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled to host the 2027 edition.
Gauff's comments have added to discussions about whether the existing round-robin system should be reviewed to make qualification more straightforward.
For the American, the immediate priority remains winning her final group match, although her progress could still depend on the result of Pegula's encounter with Noskova.
