RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 7-6 (5), 6-2 at the WTA Finals on Thursday, securing her third consecutive group stage victory and eliminating the defending champion from contention.
The result propels Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula into the tournament semifinals. Pegula earlier won her match against Jasmine Paolini 6-2,6-3,finishing the group stage with a 2-1 record. Gauff concluded at 1-2, while Paolini went 0-3. This marks the end of the season for both American and Italian players at the year-end championship featuring the world’s top eight.
Gauff twice established a break advantage in the first set and held two break points for a 5-2 lead. However, Sabalenka responded by breaking back, capitalizing on a forehand winner after retrieving a drop shot. “I was already working for the second set, to be honest,” sabalenka said. “Something clicked and I was able to break,and that game gave me a lot of confidence that I still got it in this set.”
In the first-set tiebreaker, Gauff initially led 4-2, but a netted backhand and subsequent double-fault gifted Sabalenka two set points, which she converted with another decisive forehand. Sabalenka then secured a break in the opening game of the second set, maintaining control throughout.
“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” Gauff commented.”It was a bit disappointing not to get that one.She stepped her level up, and I just couldn’t find it after that.I think I was playing a high level.”
Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, a rematch of their US Open final encounter.Pegula’s semifinal opponent will be Elena Rybakina.
