Coco Gauff upset defending WTA Finals champion Iga Swiatek for less than the second time in 13 matches to achieve the semi-finals in Riyadh, regardless of 11 double faults.
Former US Open champion Gauff defeated former world No 1 Swiatek 6-3 6-4 to enhance to 2-0 in round-robin play and take management of the Orange Group on Tuesday.
It additionally ensures Aryna Sabalenka will end the yr as world No 1, with Swiatek not in a position to overtake the Australian Open and US Open winner.
The victory is Gauff’s first over Swiatek for the reason that 2023 Cincinnati Open and snapped the Pole’s six-match profitable streak on the WTA Finals.
“It feels great and despite our head-to-head I was still confident and I knew if I could find my game, I knew I had the chance to close out the match,” Gauff informed Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“It means lots [the crowds]. You guys are holding it down and it was a very enjoyable environment. I like enjoying in atmospheres like this and it makes competing thrilling.
“I used to be simply making an attempt to be resilient and play it deep. The circumstances are robust and the altitude robust.
“I was trying not to give her too many unforced errors. It’s just a game of cat and mouse in these conditions.
“You’ll be able to’t change the previous. I am within the course of of fixing issues. There’s going to be good days and unhealthy days.”
Each gamers made errors all through, however Gauff proved the stronger ultimately, letting out an enormous roar after breaking serve within the closing sport.
The American completed the evening with 10 winners to 33 unforced errors, 11 of which had been double faults. Swiatek outpaced Gauff with 15 winners, however struck 47 unforced errors in a drama-filled encounter.
The Pole, enjoying simply her second match underneath new coach Wim Fissette, can nonetheless be part of Gauff within the semi-finals however she might want to beat Jessica Pegula in her closing match.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Swiatek edged Gauff on this unbelievable rally throughout their epic encounter on the WTA Finals
‘You’ll be able to’t play higher than that’
Laura Robson on Sky Sports activities Tennis
“I don’t think you can play better than that given the head-to-head,” stated the previous British No 1. “She’s super strong. I was more concerned about Swiatek’s forehand than Gauff’s.
“She was actually in a position to get to the tip of the vary.”
‘Win speaks volumes about Gauff’s character’
Tim Henman on Sky Sports Tennis
“I like her [Gauff] aggressive spirit as a result of that is exhausting to observe at occasions,” said the five-time Grand Slam semi-finalist.
“When you find yourself struggling to get into your play, it is nearly just like the serve is a hindrance as an alternative of a weapon.
“But the way she has been able to go out there, struggling on serve, with such an awful head-to-head record and still find a way to win, I think just speaks volumes about her character.
“I beloved the way in which Gauff modified the form on her forehand, that top down the road, and the slice forehand, it appeared form of ugly at occasions, however bought the rhythm and Swiatek did not actually prefer it.”
Wimbledon champion Krejcikova downs Pegula
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of Barbora Krejcikova towards Jessica Pegula from the WTA Finals
Pegula’s hopes of profitable a maiden WTA Finals title at this yr’s match in Saudi Arabia got here to an finish on Tuesday following a 6-3 6-3 defeat to Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Sixth seed Pegula suffered a second successive straight-sets defeat in Orange Group and has no probability of reaching the semi-finals heading into her remaining match towards Swiatek – a repeat of final yr’s closing, which the American misplaced 6-1 6-0.
It was a maiden WTA Finals win on the fifth try for Czech Krejcikova, who certified for the season-ending occasion by profitable the women’ singles at Wimbledon this yr.
The world No 13, who has solely managed 17 tour-level singles victories this yr, will tackle Gauff when play within the Orange Group reaches a conclusion on Thursday.
Story of the Tape
How the Orange Group seems to be…
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9 – Cameron Norrie in motion)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
