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Summary:

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, securing her third group stage win and eliminating Gauff from the tournament. Jessica Pegula also advanced to the semifinals after defeating Jasmine Paolini. The semifinals will see Sabalenka facing Amanda Anisimova, and Pegula playing Elena Rybakina. Gauff had opportunities in the first set against Sabalenka but couldn’t capitalize. Sabalenka seized the momentum after winning the first set.

News Article:

Sabalenka Ousts Gauff, Advances to WTA Finals Semifinals; Pegula Joins Her

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka dominated Coco Gauff 7-6 (5), 6-2 at the WTA Finals on Thursday, clinching her spot in the semifinals and ending Gauff’s run at the season-ending tournament. The victory also secured Jessica Pegula’s advancement to the semifinals after her earlier 6-2, 6-3 win over Jasmine Paolini.

Gauff, the defending champion, ultimately finished the group stage with a 1-2 record, while Paolini ended with 0-3.

The match saw Gauff initially holding the upper hand, twice leading by a break in the first set and even having two break points to take a commanding 5-2 lead. She served for the set at 5-4, but Sabalenka fought back, breaking Gauff’s serve and shifting the momentum. Despite leading 4-2 in the tiebreaker, Gauff faltered, allowing Sabalenka to seize control and secure the set.

“I was already working for the second set, to be honest,” Sabalenka admitted. “Something clicked, and I was able to break. That game gave me a lot of confidence that I still got it in this set.”

Sabalenka carried that momentum into the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve in the opening game and maintaining control to secure the win.

“I had a lot of chances in the first set,” Gauff commented after the match. “It was a bit disappointing not to get that one. She stepped her level up, and I just couldn’t find it after that. Overall, I think I was playing a high level.”

In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in a rematch of this year’s US Open final, while Pegula will battle Elena Rybakina. The semifinals are scheduled for Friday.

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