Jessica Pegula stuns Coco Gauff in WTA Finals round of 16 in Riyadh

Jessica Pegula opened her 2025 WTA Finals campaign on 2 November with a determined 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-2 victory over defending champion Coco Gauff in Riyadh, sealing the win after two hours and 12 minutes of tense, momentum-shifting tennis.

The all-American clash began in chaotic fashion, with five consecutive breaks of serve as both players struggled to settle under the indoor lights.

Pegula eventually steadied first, holding for 4-2 and then capitalising on Gauff’s mounting serve woes. A fifth double fault from the world No. 3 handed Pegula the opening set in just over half an hour.

Gauff hit back early in the second set with a confident break to lead 2-0. But her inconsistency on serve continued to haunt her. Despite leading twice while serving for the set, she faltered with three consecutive double faults to let Pegula back in. The 21-year-old eventually took the tiebreak 7-4.

The final set saw Pegula regain control to break for 4-2. From there, she never looked back. Gauff’s 17th double fault of the match sealed her fate as Pegula broke once more before closing out the win with authority.

Their head-to-head now stands 5:3 to Pegula.

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