Gauff upsets top-ranked Sabalenka at WTA Finals
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Coco Gauff defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (4), 6-3 and set up a showdown with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the final of the WTA Finals on Friday.
Gauff generated six break points to Sabalenka’s four and built on early momentum in the opening set’s tiebreak that she carried through to the second set.
She’s the youngest player at 20 to make the final at the WTA Finals since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.
Zheng earlier defeated Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 7-5 to book her place in Saturday's final.
Zheng continued her remarkable season by reaching the decider in her first appearance. The Chinese player has won 31 of her 36 matches since Wimbledon, more than anyone else on the tour.
Zheng struck nine aces as she defeated a tired-looking Krejcikova in 1 hour, 40 minutes.
______
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
HEADLINES
- Tennis world enters new era after Nadal's retirement
- Paolini helps Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup
- How Nadal's relentless pursuit of greatness inspired Alcaraz and others
- Slovakia to meet Italy in BJK Cup final after win over Britain
- Paolini inspires Italy's comeback win over Japan at BJK Cup