American Coco Gauff advanced to the final of the WTA Finals with a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Friday’s semi-final. Gauff, who is playing in her first WTA Finals, will now face China’s Zheng Qinwen in Saturday’s highly anticipated showpiece match.
Although Sabalenka will end the year at the top of the world rankings, her quest for a maiden WTA Finals title was thwarted by Gauff, who delivered a commanding performance. Earlier in the day, seventh seed Zheng reached the final in impressive fashion, overcoming Czech Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 7-5 in her WTA Finals debut.
The clash between Gauff and Sabalenka had promised to be a tight encounter, with their head-to-head record standing at 4-4, and the opening set did not disappoint. After exchanging early breaks, Sabalenka took a 6-5 lead and served for the set. However, Gauff responded under pressure, forcing a tiebreaker. In the tiebreak, Gauff seized control with a 6-1 lead, breaking Sabalenka four times. Despite Sabalenka’s attempts to save two set points, Gauff held firm to claim the first set.
In the second set, Gauff quickly raced to a 4-1 lead, and although Sabalenka mounted a comeback, including saving seven break points in a marathon game, Gauff ultimately sealed the match. Sabalenka, visibly frustrated, threw her racket into the air at one point, but Gauff kept her composure, breaking Sabalenka again for a 6-3 victory.
“I’m happy with the way I played, she’s world number one for a reason,” said Gauff after her win. “I’m not really nervous to be honest. The year-end is just a plus, and being here is a reward for the season I’ve had.”
In the earlier semi-final, Zheng continued her impressive run at the WTA Finals, where she made a strong start against Krejcikova. Zheng quickly broke to take a 3-0 lead in the first set and wrapped it up with a 6-3 scoreline. In the second set, after establishing a 3-0 lead, Zheng saw her Czech opponent battle back, but Zheng held her nerve, breaking Krejcikova again at 5-5 to serve for the match. Although Krejcikova saved one match point, Zheng sealed the victory on her second attempt.
“It feels so special. This is my first WTA Finals, and now I’m in the final,” said Zheng after her win. “Krejcikova is a really good player. We gave a good match. I don’t know what happened when I was leading 3-0.”
Both Gauff and Zheng will be looking to cap off their breakthrough performances with the ultimate prize as they face off in the final of the 2024 WTA Finals.
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