The final of the WTA Masters in Riyadh will pit the American Coco Gauff (WTA 3) against the Chinese Qinwen Zheng (WTA 7). Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (WTA 1) was eliminated 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 by Gauff.
At 20 years old, the Floridian achieved, thanks to her victory, the best run of her career in this tournament which brings together each year the eight best players of the season. She was eliminated in the group stage in 2022, then in the semi-finals the following year.
Gauff, who admitted to having had ‘reservations’ about this first edition of the WTA Masters in Saudi Arabia, also takes the advantage in her direct confrontations with Sabalenka: she now has five victories against the Belarusian in nine duels.
‘To be honest I’m not really nervous,’ Gauff assured, judging that her simple qualification for the Masters was already a great ‘reward’ to crown her season. Conversely, Sabalenka’s defeat puts an end to her season, which she ends for the first time at the top of the hierarchy.
‘Amazing’
For her part, Zheng beat Czech Barbora Krejcikova (WTA 13) in straight sets, 6-3 7-5 in the first semi-final. “It’s my first Masters and I’m in the final, it’s incredible,” said the Chinese, who “did not panic” after a “complicated” end to the second set.
The 22-year-old Olympic champion from Paris will not be favorite in the final against Gauff. But the outsider position may suit him.
/ATS
Swiss
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