Vandeweghe surprised at rapid rise

CoCo Vandeweghe says she was surprised at her rise into the WTA Year-End Top 10 - and did not expect such a thrilling end to the season following her semifinal disappointment at the US Open.

"The fall season was really difficult for me," she revealed in a conference call before this weekend's Fed Cup final against Belarus in Minsk. "It's very hard to find any motivation after US Open because it's such a big tournament for the American players...I didn't really even know Top 10 was capable from just ranking points."

The 25-year-old lost to her Fed Cup team-mate Madison Keys in the Flushing Meadows semifinal, 6-1, 6-2 - but of course there are no grudges as they prepare for the Fed Cup final.

"[I'm] just really happy to finish off my year with these girls," added the new World No.10.

Missing from the USA squad is Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who is recovering from surgery following her knee injury at Wimbledon this summer - but Vandeweghe and the others are thinking of her.

"Bethanie is a great girl," said Vandeweghe. "She'd be here if she could. We miss her dearly not being able to play in the moment with us."