Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Coco Gauff at WTA Finals, Advances to Semifinals

In a pivotal match at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, world number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated defending champion Coco Gauff 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 on November 6, 2025, securing her place in the semifinals and ending Gauff's title defense.

Gauff, who needed a straight-sets victory to advance, was unable to capitalize on early opportunities. She led twice in the first set and had two break points to extend her lead to 5-2. Serving for the set at 5-4, Gauff was broken by Sabalenka, who chased down a drop shot and delivered a forehand winner down the line. The set proceeded to a tiebreak, where Sabalenka's aggressive play secured her the set.

In the second set, Sabalenka's dominance continued. She converted five of six break points, while Gauff managed only three of seven and committed six double faults throughout the match. Sabalenka's victory marked her third consecutive win in the group stage, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record.

This win advances Sabalenka to the semifinals, where she is set to face Amanda Anisimova in a rematch of this year's U.S. Open final. Jessica Pegula also progressed to the semifinals from the group, having defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 earlier in the day. Gauff concluded the tournament with a 1-2 record, while Paolini finished 0-3.

The match adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between Sabalenka and Gauff. Their head-to-head record now stands at 6-6. Notably, Gauff defeated Sabalenka in the 2025 French Open final, securing her first French Open title and second Grand Slam overall. Sabalenka avenged that loss by eliminating Gauff from the WTA Finals, underscoring the competitive nature of their encounters.

Gauff's early exit from the WTA Finals highlights the challenges of defending a title in the highly competitive landscape of women's tennis. Despite this setback, her achievements over the past two years, including her 2024 WTA Finals victory and 2025 French Open title, demonstrate her resilience and potential for future success.

As the WTA Tour progresses, the rivalry between Sabalenka and Gauff is poised to be a focal point, with both players pushing each other to elevate their games. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching their future encounters, anticipating more thrilling matches between these two top competitors.