RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The phenomenal Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, celebrated her third consecutive group-stage victory at the WTA Finals with a decisive win over Coco Gauff, clinching the match 7-6 (5), 6-2 on Thursday. This victory sent Gauff packing from the tournament.
With this win, Sabalenka’s triumph also paved the way for Jessica Pegula to join her in the semifinals. Pegula secured her spot by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 earlier in the day, concluding her group stage with a solid record of 2-1. Coco Gauff, the defending champion, ended her campaign with a 1-2 record, while Paolini finished 0-3 in this exclusive season-ending showdown featuring the world’s top eight players.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to clash with Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals on Friday, marking a highly anticipated rematch of this year’s U.S. Open final. Meanwhile, Pegula is prepared to take on Elena Rybakina.
In the match against Sabalenka, Gauff initially held a two-break advantage in the first set and had a chance to lead 5-2 with two break points. However, when she served for the set at 5-4, Sabalenka made a crucial break with a remarkable response after chasing down a drop shot, delivering a stunning forehand winner down the line.
“To be honest, I was already thinking about the second set,” Sabalenka remarked. “Then something clicked, and after breaking back, I gained a surge of confidence that carried me through.”
Gauff had a lead of 4-2 in the tiebreak but faltered with a netted backhand on the next point and later double-faulted, handing Sabalenka two set points. She converted the second opportunity with yet another brilliant forehand winner, breaking in the first game of the second set and maintaining complete control thereafter.
“I had numerous opportunities in the first set,” Gauff reflected. “Not converting was disappointing. She elevated her game, and I struggled to respond. Overall, I believe I played at a high level.”
