Coco Gauff has secured a spot in the WTA Finals final for the first time in her career, following a commanding victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The American outlasted Sabalenka, the Australia and US Open champion, with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 win, continuing her strong finish to the season.
Gauff had previously defeated Iga Swiatek in the group stage, and she capitalized on a series of unforced errors from Sabalenka to secure the win. Despite Sabalenka’s strong season, which included clinching the year-end world number one ranking, she was unable to find her rhythm against Gauff. The 20-year-old Gauff, who has lost only two of her last 14 matches since the US Open quarter-finals, will face another first-time finalist, Zheng Qinwen, in the final.
Zheng reached the final after a 6-3 7-5 win over Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. Zheng’s powerful serve and groundstrokes were on full display as she maintained her focus despite some challenges during the match. The crowd support for Zheng was evident, as many Chinese fans gathered to cheer her on.
Gauff spoke about her approach to the final: “She’s playing great. Playing confident tennis will help me and give me the best shot at winning. Year-end, I consider it as a plus, and even being here is a reward for the season I’ve had.”
The WTA Finals this year are offering a record £12m in prize money, adding extra significance to the event. Gauff and Zheng will compete for the top prize, both aiming to secure their first-ever WTA Finals title.
