WTA Finals: Gauff stuns Sabalenka to set final against Zheng
Coco Gauff eliminated world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka from the WTA Finals on Friday in Riyadh and will now play China’s Zheng Qinwen for the title.
Tennis bookmakers had Sabalenka as a -200 favourite to make her second final at the year-end tournament, but an inspired performance from Gauff extinguished the Belarusian’s hopes, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
The American – who upset defending champion Iga Swiatek earlier in the tournament – played phenomenal defensive tennis against the aggression of Sabalenka.
She showed marked improvement on the second serve, with just two double faults across the match, as well as strong mental resolve in the face of a Sabalenka comeback late in the match.
“I’m happy with the way I played,” Gauff said afterwards.
“Playing against Aryna, it’s always going to be a tough match.
“I just tried to stay in it.”
Earlier in the day, Zheng continued her strong form in Riyadh to see off world No.13 Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.
“It feels so special. This is my first WTA Finals, and now I’m in the final. It’s unbelievable,” said Zheng, who has now won 31 of 36 matches since Wimbledon.
It was another strong serving display that took Zheng past the mercurial Krejcikova, with the 22-year-old firing down nine aces and conceding just two breaks to her opponent’s four across the one-hour, 40-minute clash.
The clash was not without drama, as a 3-0 lead to the Chinese player became 4-3 to Krejcikova, with the Czech finding her best tennis in the second set before faltering at 6-5.
“She’s a really good player. We gave a good match,” Zheng continued.
“I don’t know what happened when I was leading 3-0.
“I want to say thanks for all the support from the fans. You gave such an amazing atmosphere.”
Zheng and Gauff have met just once before, with the American prevailing 7-6 (4), 6-1 in May.
“She’s playing great tennis,” Gauff said of her opponent in the final.
“Just playing confident tennis will give me the best chance.
“I’m not really nervous – year-end is just a plus for me.”
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