The 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh just delivered a thrilling showdown, and the tennis world is buzzing with excitement as Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula punched their tickets to the semi-finals. But here's where it gets controversial: Sabalenka's victory wasn't just about advancing—it was a fiery redemption arc after her crushing defeat to Coco Gauff at the French Open. Could this be the year Sabalenka finally clinches her first WTA Finals title? Let’s dive in.
In a high-stakes Thursday, Sabalenka, Gauff, and Pegula faced off in the Stefanie Graf Group, knowing only two would survive. Pegula, the American powerhouse, breezed past an already-eliminated Jasmine Paolini with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win. This set the stage for a nail-biter: if Gauff had won in straight sets, she would’ve knocked world number one Sabalenka out of the tournament. Talk about pressure!
And this is the part most people miss: Gauff held the statistical edge, having bested Sabalenka at Roland Garros in June, a match Sabalenka later called her “worst final ever.” But in Riyadh, Sabalenka flipped the script. Despite a shaky start, she rallied to win 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, topping the group with a flawless record. Now, she’ll face Amanda Anisimova in a rematch of September’s US Open final—a contest Sabalenka dominated. Meanwhile, Pegula takes on Elena Rybakina in what promises to be another electrifying clash.
“We always have great battles,” Sabalenka, 27, told Sky Sports. “Playing against her is enjoyable because I know it’s going to be a fight. The key for me is staying focused, keeping my emotions in check, and staying in the zone.”
Here’s the real kicker: With Gauff’s exit, we’re guaranteed a first-time WTA Finals champion on Saturday. But will it be Sabalenka, who’s reached the semi-finals for the fourth straight year but only made the final once (losing to Caroline Garcia in 2022)? Or could Pegula, the 2023 runner-up, finally claim the title?
In the opening set against Gauff, Sabalenka showcased her tie-break prowess—she’s won 22 of 24 this year. Gauff’s serve, which has been inconsistent lately, held strong initially, but a double fault at 5-4 gifted Sabalenka two set points. On the other side, Sabalenka rode a rollercoaster of emotions, battling back from a break down twice before sealing the set with a thunderous forehand.
The second set was all Sabalenka, as she raced to a 4-0 lead and closed out the match despite a brief hiccup. Now, the question remains: Can she maintain this momentum and finally lift the trophy?
Pegula, meanwhile, delivered a masterclass against Paolini, breaking twice in each set to secure a 63-minute victory. “I served really well, played solid, and was aggressive when I needed to be,” Pegula said. “There weren’t many negative notes.”
In doubles action, Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani booked their semi-final spot with a 2-6, 7-5, 10-5 comeback win over defending champions Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe. Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, already through to the next round, later defeated Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-4.
But here’s the burning question: With Sabalenka’s dominance and Pegula’s consistency, is this finally their year? Or will an underdog rise to claim the title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who’s your pick to win it all?
