For the third year in a row, the American took to the court at the season ending WTA Finals to face former World. No 1 Iga Swiatek – a woman with an 11-1 record against her.

However this time it was Gauff who shone, coming through a testing encounter to record a 6-3, 6-4 victory in their Orange Group match.

Despite Gauff’s service struggles continuing – she served 11 double faults across her 12 service games – it was a significant win on several levels.

Firstly it means that with a game to spare she has reached the semifinals of the $15million end of season tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Second it halts a run of four successive defeats against the Pole, two of which came this year. In fact it represents just a second career win against Swiatek for Gauff who beat the four-time major champion in the semifinal on her way to the title in Cincinnati last year.

“My first WTA Finals I was 0-3, and now being 2-0 – it’s pretty cool,” she said.

“Hopefully I can win three more matches and wrap up the season but I am really happy just with how I managed today, specifically.

“I think it’s showing that I am in the right direction with my game

auff showed flashes of brilliance to outlast her opponent in an enthralling battle, but both players struggled with their serves and made a number of unforced errors.

Swiatek was made to work hard in the early exchanges, with the Polish star saving three break points in her second service game, which lasted over 10 minutes.

Gauff continued to apply the pressure and broke soon after to take a 4-3 lead in the opening set.