Riyadh, Nov 8: In a thrilling encounter at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka defeated defending champion Coco Gauff 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 to secure her place in the semifinals.This victory marked Sabalenka’s third straight win in the group stage, allowing her to top the Stefanie Graf group and advance alongside Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka’s resilience was on full display as she recovered from being down in the first set, which went to a tense tiebreak. Gauff had two break points to take a commanding 5-2 lead and even served for the set at 5-4, but Sabalenka broke back with a remarkable retrieval and forehand winner. In the tiebreak, Sabalenka overcame a 4-2 deficit and capitalized on two set points to win.Taking control in the second set, Sabalenka surged ahead early and dominated the remainder of the match.
Despite opportunities, Gauff couldn’t find a way back, and Sabalenka closed out the match with authority.Following this win, Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals in a rematch of the 2025 US Open final, where Sabalenka emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula will play Elena Rybakina in the other semifinal tie.
Sabalenka expressed confidence after the match, saying, “I was focusing on the second set and managed to find my rhythm and aggression when it mattered.” Gauff acknowledged the high level of competition, noting, “I had many chances but she stepped up her game.”
This result means Gauff is eliminated from the WTA Finals, ensuring a new champion will be crowned this year.This article highlights the key moments and implications of Sabalenka’s win over Gauff at the WTA Finals 2025.