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Aryna Sabalenka defeats Coco Gauff in straight sets and advances to the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh

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Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka - X.com/ WTA FINALS RIYADH

Aryna Sabalenka, number 1 in the world, defeated Coco Gauff 7-6(5) and 6-2 on center court at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Thursday (6). The 27-year-old Belarusian turned around the first set after being at a disadvantage and eliminated the American, current number 3, from the competition. The match lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes and guaranteed Sabalenka first place in the Steffi Graf Group, with three wins in three games.

Gauff, 21 years old and champion in 2023, needed the victory to advance, but could not resist her opponent’s firepower. Sabalenka converted five of six break points and registered 6 aces, while the American committed 21 double faults. This was Sabalenka’s 12th victory over Gauff in 12 direct clashes on the circuit.

The Belarusian now has 62 wins in the 2025 season and remains undefeated in the semifinals of the WTA Finals for the third consecutive time. The tournament, which brings together the best eight of the year, distributes US$ 15.25 million in prizes.

  • Sabalenka: 78% points gained on the first serve and 70% on the second.
  • Gauff: 54% success rate on the first serve, with 5/6 break points saved.
  • Duration of the first set: 68 minutes, with decisive tiebreak.

First set performance

Sabalenka faced initial difficulties and gave up breaks to Gauff, who led 5-3. The Belarusian regrouped her serve and tied at 5-5 with aggressive returns.

In the tiebreak, Sabalenka made fewer mistakes under pressure and closed 7-5, forcing errors into the American’s net. This turnaround highlighted his resilience in critical moments.

Gauff, known for her solid defense, saw her plan fail with 12 unforced errors in the set.

Stats that decided the game

Sabalenka’s superior serve was evident from the start of the second set. She won 70% of the points on her second serve, compared to Gauff’s 50%.

The Belarusian converted the first break point in the third game and maintained the lead. Gauff fought, but the double faults compromised his chances of reacting.

In total, Sabalenka scored 54 points more than her rival, with 29 direct points on serve. This efficiency raised his game win rate to 85% in the tournament.

  • 3 aces from Sabalenka against 1 from Gauff.
  • 8 double faults dthe Belarusian, but with no impact on the score.
  • 27 points gained by Gauff on the opponent’s serve.

Updated match history

Sabalenka and Gauff have faced each other since 2019, with balanced duels on fast surfaces. Before this match, the score was 5-5, including the 2025 Wuhan final, won by the American.

The Belarusian now leads 6-6, with an advantage on indoor hard courts. In 2025, they played four times, with two wins each.

This rivalry boosts the WTA rankings, with Sabalenka consolidating her top spot and Gauff seeking consistency in majors.

Sabalenka has 20 wins in the last 23 games, including Grand Slam titles. His adaptation to Riyadh’s fast courts reinforces his dominance in the final stretch of the season.

Preparation for the semi-finals

In the semifinals, Sabalenka faces Amanda Anisimova, a 24-year-old American who advanced with surprising victories in the group. Anisimova, ranked 15th, beat Rybakina 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday.

The Belarusian trains mental focus after recent comebacks. The record favors Sabalenka, with 3-1 against Anisimova.

The other side of the bracket has Jessica Pegula against Elena Rybakina, defining Saturday’s final.

Upcoming tournament challenges

Riyadh hosts the WTA Finalsfor the second time, with a record audience of 5,000 per session. The semi-finals take place on Friday, with a prize pool of US$1.2 million for the champion.

Sabalenka is seeking an unprecedented title, after runner-up in 2023. Gauff, eliminated, focuses on the next season with 48 victories in 2025.

The event highlights the new generation, with an average age of 24 years old in the eighth.

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