RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 7-6 (5), 6-2 on Thursday to win her third consecutive group stage match at the WTA Finals, knocking out her American rival in the process.
Sabalenka’s win meant Jessica Pegula advanced from the group to the semi-finals along with Belarus’ top-ranked player. Pegula previously defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 to bring her record to 2-1. In the world quarterfinals at the end of the season, defending champion Gauff won 1-2, while Paolini won 0-3.
Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in Friday’s semifinals, a rematch of this year’s U.S. Open final, while Pegula will face Elena Rybakina.
Gauff broke serve twice in the first set against Sabalenka and took two break points to lead 5-2. The American then tied the score to 5-4, but Sabalenka chased down a small ball and hit a forehand winner to break serve.
“To be honest, I was already preparing for the second set,” Sabalenka said. “Suddenly I had a flash of inspiration and I was able to break serve. That game gave me a lot of confidence and I still won the set.”
Gauff also led 4-2 in the decider, but scored on a backhand in the next point and then double-faulted to give Sabalenka two set points. Sabalenka broke serve in the first game of the second set after breaking with another forehand winner and took complete control from there.
“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” Gauff said. “It was a little disappointing not to get that. She raised her level, but I just couldn’t find it after that. Overall, I thought I played at a high level.”
