Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has booked her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals after defeating defending champion Coco Gauff in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-2, in Riyadh. The powerful world number two produced a dominant display of athleticism and composure to outclass the American, earning one of her biggest wins of the season and moving a step closer to claiming her first WTA Finals crown.
The match, played under the bright lights of Saudi Arabia’s new state-of-the-art tennis complex, drew a packed crowd eager to see two of the sport’s most dynamic young stars face off. Gauff, who entered the tournament as defending champion, was the favourite for many fans, but Sabalenka’s fearless approach and relentless aggression from the baseline quickly set the tone. Both players exchanged early breaks in the first set before Sabalenka’s superior power and precision began to wear down the 20-year-old American.
The opening set was fiercely contested, lasting over an hour and filled with high-octane rallies and emotional outbursts. Gauff had the upper hand early, going up a break at 4-3, but Sabalenka stormed back with her trademark heavy groundstrokes and booming serve to level the score. The tiebreak saw the Belarusian maintain her composure while Gauff struggled to keep her first-serve percentage up, ultimately losing the set 7-6(5).
Once she had the momentum, Sabalenka took complete control in the second set. She broke Gauff’s serve twice in quick succession, racing to a 4-0 lead with a combination of blistering forehands and clever court positioning. Gauff attempted to mount a comeback but was repeatedly undone by unforced errors and Sabalenka’s deep, punishing returns. By the time the world number two sealed the victory with an ace down the middle, the match had become a masterclass in power tennis and tactical discipline.
After the match, Sabalenka expressed satisfaction with her performance, highlighting her improved mental focus compared to earlier in the season. “I knew it would be a tough match because Coco is an incredible player and always fights until the end,” she said. “I just tried to stay aggressive and believe in myself. I’m really happy with how I handled the key points.”
The victory marks Sabalenka’s second consecutive semi-final appearance at the prestigious year-end event, showcasing her consistency among the game’s elite. Her 2025 season has been one of highs and lows — from reaching the Australian Open final to enduring a brief mid-season slump — but her resurgence in recent weeks has reasserted her position as one of the fiercest competitors in women’s tennis.
For Gauff, the loss was a disappointing end to her title defense. The American entered the tournament with strong form and high expectations following an impressive season that included multiple titles and a consistent run in the Grand Slam events. However, her serving struggles and occasional lapses in focus proved costly against a player of Sabalenka’s calibre. Despite the defeat, Gauff remained gracious in her post-match remarks. “It’s tough to lose, especially here where I have such great memories,” she said. “But Aryna played amazing tonight. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Sabalenka’s win also sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with American Amanda Anisimova, who advanced earlier in the day with a victory over Caroline Garcia. Their meeting promises an explosive encounter between two of the tour’s biggest hitters. The other semi-final will feature Jessica Pegula, who has quietly been one of the most consistent performers of the tournament, against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur.
Analysts have praised Sabalenka’s tactical maturity in recent matches. Tennis commentator Daniela Hantuchova noted that the Belarusian has learned to channel her fiery energy more effectively. “Aryna used to rely purely on power, but now she’s mixing it up with smarter shot selection and better patience. That’s what separates champions from contenders,” she explained.
This evolution in Sabalenka’s game has been evident since her partnership with new coach Anton Dubrov, who has emphasized composure and consistency under pressure. The results speak for themselves — she has reached multiple finals this year and continues to push for the number-one ranking, currently held by Iga Swiatek. With her latest win, Sabalenka has once again proven that she is one of the few players capable of challenging Swiatek’s dominance on any surface.
The WTA Finals in Riyadh mark the first time the event has been held in the Middle East, part of a broader effort by the Women’s Tennis Association to expand the sport’s global reach. The tournament has attracted significant attention for its high-quality matches and record-breaking prize pool, making it one of the most lucrative events on the women’s circuit.
As the tournament heads into the weekend, Sabalenka’s confidence and momentum will be key factors in her pursuit of the title. Her mix of raw power, refined strategy, and growing emotional maturity have positioned her as the player to beat. If she can maintain her current form, she will not only be a strong contender for the WTA Finals trophy but also carry immense momentum into the 2026 season.
The win over Gauff was more than just a semi-final qualification; it was a statement — a reminder that Aryna Sabalenka remains one of the sport’s most formidable forces. With her sights set on finishing the year on a high, she has reignited the conversation about who truly deserves to be called the best player in women’s tennis.
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