Daijiworld Media Network – Mexico
Mexico, Nov 7: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the semifinals of the WTA Finals with a commanding 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over Coco Gauff on Thursday, eliminating the defending champion from the tournament.
The Belarusian’s win also ensured Jessica Pegula’s progression to the semifinals from the same group. Pegula earlier defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 to finish with a 2-1 record, while Gauff ended 1-2 and Paolini 0-3 at the season-ending event featuring the world’s top eight players.
Sabalenka will now face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals on Friday, a rematch of this year’s U.S. Open final, while Pegula will meet Elena Rybakina.
The match saw Gauff take an early advantage, breaking Sabalenka twice in the first set and even serving for the set at 5-4. However, Sabalenka fought back fiercely, saving two break points and turning the tide with a series of powerful forehands.
“I was already working for the second set, to be honest,” Sabalenka said. “Something clicked, and I was able to break. That game gave me a lot of confidence that I still got it in this set.”
Despite Gauff leading 4-2 in the tiebreaker, errors—including a double fault—handed Sabalenka the edge. After claiming the first set, the top seed broke early in the second and maintained complete control.
“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” Gauff admitted. “It was a bit disappointing not to get that one. She stepped her level up and I just couldn’t find it after that. Overall, I think I was playing a high level.”
With this win, Sabalenka continues her dominant form and remains on track for her first WTA Finals title.