Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova, left, shakes hands with winner China's Qinwen Zheng after their women's singles semifinal match at King Saud University Indoor Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)

Gauff upsets Sabalenka and sets up showdown with Zheng for WTA Finals title

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Coco Gauff defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (4), 6-3 Friday and set up a showdown with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the final of the WTA Finals.

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.

Coco Gauff of the U.S. in action during her women’s singles semi final match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at King Saud University Indoor Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)

Zheng struck nine aces as she defeated a tired-looking Krejcikova in 1 hour, 40 minutes.

______

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in action during her women’s singles semi final match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. at King Saud University Indoor Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)
Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova, in action with China’s Qinwen Zheng during women’s singles semi final match at King Saud University Indoor Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)
Katerina Siniakova, left, of the Czech Republic, greets Taylor Townsend of the United States, right, during their women’s doubles match against Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching and Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)
Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski, signs for fans during her women’s doubles semi final match against Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the U.S. and Australia’s Ellen Perez at King Saud University Indoor Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles