Tennis fans are in a frenzy after the WTA Tour announced their Match of the Year, with many questioning the choice. The award, decided by fan votes, was given to the Italian Open semifinal between Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng, which sparked a wave of reactions on social media.
The match, held in Rome earlier this year, saw Gauff emerge victorious with a score of 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(4) after a grueling three-hour and 32-minute battle. However, the game was far from flawless, with a combined 156 unforced errors, including 82 from the eventual winner, Gauff. This has led to a heated debate among fans, with some expressing disbelief and others suggesting more worthy contenders.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) humorously commented, 'This has to be a joke! 😂😂😂'. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, 'When this match ended, I joked that it would be named Match of the Year! 😂'. The reactions continued, with some questioning the 'Worthy' nature of the award due to the high number of double faults and unforced errors.
Some fans even suggested that Madison Keys' victory over Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open semifinal should have been recognized instead. They argued, 'Match of the year was Madi vs Iga AO semi-final.'
Despite the backlash, there were also defenders of the choice. One social media user praised the match, stating, 'One of my favorite matches of the year! I don't care that it was full of errors. It was a thrilling 3+ hour match on clay between two exceptional athletes pushing each other to their limits.'
Coco Gauff's win against Zheng marks the 11th WTA Match of the Year award since its inception in 2013. Previous winners include Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Naomi Osaka. This year, however, Iga Swiatek's absence from the list is notable, as she won the award in both 2023 and 2024 for her Madrid Open finals against Aryna Sabalenka.
As the tennis world looks ahead to the 2026 season, Gauff and Zheng are set to continue their rise. Gauff will start her season at the United Cup, aiming to create more memorable moments, while Zheng returns from an elbow injury at the Australian Open, eager to make her mark again.
The WTA Match of the Year award, despite its controversies, has become a celebrated part of the tennis calendar, showcasing the drama and excitement that fans cherish. As the sport continues to evolve, these awards will undoubtedly remain a topic of passionate debate among tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
