WTA Finals: Sabalenka Tames Gauff and Joins Anisimova in the Semifinals
Aryna Sabalenka confirmed her boss status in Riyadh. Briefly challenged by Coco Gauff, she eventually cruised to a 7-6, 6-2 victory to secure her spot in the semifinals. The Belarusian will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals for a top-tier duel.
The world No. 1 is holding her ground in Riyadh. Aryna Sabalenka, who had already won her first two matches in the Steffi Graf group, was not yet officially qualified for the semifinals.
Facing defending champion Coco Gauff, Sabalenka struggled in the first set, losing her service game twice. Gauff served for the set, even leading 5-4, 30-0, before cracking and conceding the tie-break.
Although the American was not yet mathematically eliminated, she appeared helpless in the second set, quickly conceding a double break. Sabalenka ultimately won 7-6, 6-2 in 1 hour and 27 minutes, securing her place in the semifinals and finishing the group stage undefeated.
The Belarusian, seeking her first WTA Finals title, will face Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals in a rematch of the latest US Open final.
The other semifinal will feature Elena Rybakina against Jessica Pegula.
Madrid 
Davis Cup: between reforms, criticism and national culture 
The paradox dividing tennis: exhausted players and a saturated calendar, yet ever more exhibitions 
Training future champions: spotlight on the decline of the French public model facing private academies 
Is padel threatening tennis? Inside the revolution shaking up the established order