Coco Gauff/ Zheng Qinwen/ WTA Finals 2024/ Gauff vs Sabalenka/ tennis finals/ WTA title match/ Newslooks/ RIYADH/ Saudi Arabia/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Coco Gauff stunned top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka with a 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory, advancing to the WTA Finals title match against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Zheng defeated Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets to set up a highly anticipated showdown with Gauff.
Gauff vs. Zheng: WTA Finals Showdown Quick Looks
- Gauff’s upset win: Defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (4), 6-3.
- Young finalist milestone: At 20, Gauff is the youngest finalist since 2010.
- Zheng’s winning streak: Zheng has won 31 of her last 36 matches since Wimbledon.
- Powerful performance: Zheng hit nine aces to secure a straight-sets victory over Barbora Krejcikova.
Coco Gauff Upsets Sabalenka, Faces Zheng in WTA Finals Showdown
Deep Look
In an impressive victory, Coco Gauff upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Friday, securing her place in the WTA Finals title match against Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen. Gauff, 20, becomes the youngest player to reach the WTA Finals since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010, showcasing her resilience and tactical strength throughout the match.
Gauff’s Road to the Final
In a close and hard-fought match, Gauff generated six break points compared to Sabalenka’s four, maintaining pressure and seizing momentum with a solid tiebreak performance in the first set. Carrying this energy into the second set, Gauff successfully held off Sabalenka, ultimately closing out the match in straight sets. This marks a major career milestone for Gauff, who has steadily risen through the ranks and now stands on the brink of her first WTA Finals title.
Zheng’s Remarkable Season Continues
In the earlier semifinal, Zheng Qinwen defeated reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 7-5. Zheng, who is making her first appearance in the WTA Finals, has had a breakthrough season, winning an impressive 31 of her last 36 matches since Wimbledon. Zheng’s power-driven style was evident as she recorded nine aces, overpowering a fatigued Krejcikova in a swift 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Gauff vs. Zheng: Anticipated Showdown
Both players bring unique strengths to the WTA Finals title match: Gauff’s agile court coverage and Zheng’s powerful serve promise an exciting clash. As each player vies for her first WTA Finals title, the matchup represents a new era in women’s tennis, with two rising stars set to make their mark on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.
The title match between Gauff and Zheng will take place on Saturday, capping an exciting season finale in Riyadh.
