Sabalenka Tops Gauff, Advances to WTA Semifinals in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Aryna Sabalenka defeated defending champion Coco Gauff 7-6 (5), 6-2 on Thursday, securing her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals and eliminating Gauff from contention.

The match, held at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, began with Gauff taking an early lead. The American broke Sabalenka’s serve to start the match and led 4-2 in the first set. However, Sabalenka rallied to break back, eventually taking the set in a tiebreak.

“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.”

In the second set, Sabalenka quickly took control, jumping to a 4-0 lead before closing out the match. She will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, a rematch of this year’s U.S. Open final.

Earlier in the day, Jessica Pegula secured her own advancement into the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Jasmine Paolini, who had already been eliminated from the tournament. Pegula’s victory ensured her place alongside Sabalenka in the final four.

“I served really well, played solid and was aggressive when I needed to be,” Pegula said after her match. “Today I finally got a straight-sets win for the first time in like a few months.”

Gauff expressed disappointment after the match, acknowledging missed opportunities in the first set. “I had a lot of chances in the first set. It was a bit disappointing not to get that one,” she said. “Overall, I think I was playing a high level.”

With Sabalenka and Pegula progressing, the tournament guarantees a first-time WTA Finals champion this year, as Gauff exits early.

Sabalenka, who is seeking her first title at the year-end championships, showed resilience in her comeback against Gauff. “She always makes me work hard, always great battles against her,” Sabalenka noted about her opponent. “I enjoy playing against her, and I hope it’s going to be a great match.”