Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3 in the world, made a strong start at the WTA Finals Riyadh by defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula (No. 6) with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This victory marks Gauff’s 20th career win against a Top 10 player and her first on hard courts since last year’s WTA Finals in Cancun.

Group Standings

With this win, Gauff joins Iga Swiatek at the top of the Orange Group. Gauff’s next match will be against Swiatek, with the winner taking control of the group. Meanwhile, Pegula is set to face Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.

Match Highlights

Gauff entered the match as the favorite based on her ranking and recent form, but history was not on her side; Pegula had won four of their previous five encounters, including their last three. Both players had impressive runs in the latter half of the season, with Pegula claiming the title in Toronto and reaching finals in Cincinnati and the US Open. Gauff, however, had a remarkable finish, winning the China Open and reaching the semifinals in Wuhan, securing her spot in the WTA Finals for the third consecutive year.

Performance Breakdown

In a match that favored the faster conditions for Pegula, Gauff proved to be more effective from the baseline. She hit 16 winners compared to Pegula’s 8 and maintained consistent pressure on Pegula’s serve. Gauff created eight break-point opportunities, converting five, while Pegula managed to break Gauff only twice from three chances.

“I thought we both were playing at a high level,” Gauff said. “I just think I was able to break through on the more important points.”

Upcoming Matchup

Next, Gauff faces Iga Swiatek for the 13th time in their careers. Swiatek, who has an impressive 11-1 head-to-head record against Gauff, recently came back from a set and a break down to defeat Krejcikova, marking her first victory since the US Open.