Post by : Meena Ariff

In a gripping match at the WTA Finals, top seed Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third group-stage victory by overcoming Coco Gauff with scores of 7-6(5), 6-2 on Thursday. This result knocked out the defending champion, paving the way for both Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula to reach the semifinals. Earlier, Pegula secured her spot by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3, finishing with a record of 2-1, while Gauff concluded her campaign with 1-2 and Paolini with 0-3.

In the semifinals set for Friday, Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova, marking a rematch of the U.S. Open final, whereas Pegula will take on Elena Rybakina.

Gauff started strong, even creating two break points for a potential 5-2 lead and serving for the first set at 5-4. However, Sabalenka fought back, winning the tiebreak before dominating the second set.

“I was already working for the second set,” Sabalenka remarked. “That break gave me a lot of confidence.”

Reflecting on the match, Gauff noted, “I had many chances in the first set. She raised her level, and I just couldn’t respond after that.”

#Global News #Sports News