Coco Gauff’s hopes of advancing to the Wuhan Open final were dashed as she struggled with double faults, allowing Aryna Sabalenka to surge ahead in the semi-finals. Sabalenka claimed victory with a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over the American, who grappled with 21 double faults during the match. Despite Gauff making grip changes with her new coach, Matt Daly, it was ultimately Sabalenka’s resilience that secured her a spot in the final.
Following a tough first set where Sabalenka initially struggled against Gauff’s powerful play, she managed to turn the game in her favour. Reflecting on the match, Sabalenka acknowledged Gauff’s errors and highlighted the importance of her win as she advanced to the Wuhan Open final for the third consecutive time. Sabalenka is now set to face the winner of an all-Chinese semi-final clash between Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu.
Sabalenka’s ability to control her returns against Gauff’s serves was evident throughout the match. Gauff, a former U.S. Open champion, started strong with a commanding lead in the first set. However, Sabalenka’s tenacity shone through as she fought back in the second set, taking advantage of Gauff’s double faults and nervous serves to secure a crucial victory.
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka maintained her winning momentum, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 6-4. Despite Gauff’s efforts to stage a comeback, Sabalenka’s consistency and powerful shots secured her the win. Looking ahead to the final, Sabalenka expressed her determination to claim victory once again, stating, “It will be a great match.”
Sabalenka’s impressive performance against Gauff highlights her prowess on the court and sets the stage for an exciting final at the Wuhan Open. With her sights set on lifting the trophy for the third time, Sabalenka remains a formidable contender in the world of tennis.