Sabalenka Triumphs, Gauff Eliminated as Pegula Reaches Semifinals

Post by : Mina Rahman

In an impressive display, Aryna Sabalenka secured her third consecutive victory in the WTA Finals group stage by defeating Coco Gauff with a score of 7-6(5), 6-2 on Thursday, thus eliminating the reigning champion from the tournament. With this victory, both Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula move on to the semifinals. Pegula had previously overcome Jasmine Paolini with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-3, achieving a 2-1 record, while Gauff concluded her campaign with a 1-2 record, and Paolini finished at 0-3.

Sabalenka is set to face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals on Friday, a rematch of the U.S. Open final, while Pegula will take on Elena Rybakina.

Gauff started strong, leading in the first set with two break points to go ahead 5-2 and even served for the set at 5-4. However, Sabalenka managed to break back and clinched the tiebreak, gaining momentum for a commanding performance in the second set.

“I was already working for the second set,” Sabalenka reflected, noting how that critical break boosted her confidence. “That break gave me a lot of confidence.”

Gauff recounted her missed chances: “I had a lot of opportunities in the first set. She raised her level, and I just couldn’t keep up after that.”