Coco Gauff achieved a milestone victory, overcoming Iga Swiatek for only the second time in 13 encounters to secure her place in the WTA Finals semi-finals. In a compelling 6-3, 6-4 win, Gauff displayed resilience, adjusting her forehand to reduce errors and effectively countering Swiatek’s game.
Gauff’s Strategy and Resilience
After trailing, Gauff adapted her tactics, adding height and slice to her forehand, which disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm. Reflecting on her game, Gauff said, “I stayed resilient and focused on avoiding unforced errors. The atmosphere here was fantastic, which really helped me stay motivated.”
The win also solidified Aryna Sabalenka’s year-end No. 1 ranking, as Swiatek’s chances of overtaking her were diminished with the defeat.
Jessica Pegula’s Run Ends, Krejcikova Advances
Elsewhere in the Orange Group, Jessica Pegula’s hopes of advancing ended after a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. Pegula’s back-to-back losses have eliminated her from semi-final contention, while Krejcikova’s performance set up a final group stage clash against Gauff.
With her victory, Gauff moves confidently into the WTA Finals semi-finals, showing growth and tactical maturity as she continues her journey in the tournament.
