Gauff Cracks Against Pegula: Defending Champion Already in Danger at WTA Finals

Jessica Pegula dominated Coco Gauff (6-3, 6-7, 6-2) in Riyadh in an intense and indecisive match. Gauff, the defending champion, must now look ahead to her crucial duel against Jasmine Paolini.

The first all-American clash of the week in Riyadh lived up to all its promises. Coco Gauff, the defending champion at the WTA Finals, made her debut against her compatriot Jessica Pegula.

After three one-sided matches since the start of the tournament, the two players offered a real battle on the Saudi court. Pegula got off to the better start by taking the first set, before Gauff managed to equalize after a tight tie-break in the second set.

But the world No. 3 eventually cracked, weighed down by her inconsistency with 17 double faults and 58 unforced errors (including 45 on the forehand). Pegula took advantage to win 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 after 2 hours and 15 minutes of play, thus securing her first victory in the WTA Finals since 2023.

Meanwhile, Gauff still has a chance, but she must absolutely win on Tuesday against Jasmine Paolini to stay in the tournament.