Jessica Pegula defeated Coco Gauff at the 2025 WTA Finals, winning 6-3, 6-7, 6-2.
This victory gives Pegula a 1-0 lead in the Stefanie Graf Group.
What happened?
Pegula avenged a Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open finals loss to Gauff, who is the defending champion in Riyadh.
The match lasted two hours and 12 minutes on Center Court.
Pegula got off to a strong start against Gauff, who struggled with her range.
Why it matters for Jessica Pegula
The win is a significant upset, as Gauff is the defending champion.
Pegula's victory books her a second round-robin match with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday.
Pegula made an impressive return to the semifinals in September.
She pushed eventual champion Sabalenka to the brink under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights.
What comes next?
Pegula will face Sabalenka for the third time in three months.
She hopes to remain undefeated and advance in the tournament.
The world No. 5 battled through an up and down season before catching fire at the US Open.
Pegula reached the final in 2024 and handed Sabalenka her first-ever loss in Wuhan en route to the championship match.
Gauff enjoyed a phenomenal season, highlighted by a second Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros.
However, she struggled with her serve on and off throughout the year.
Pegula got off to a better start in the third set, emerging from an early exchange of breaks with a commanding lead.
She played clean tennis when it mattered most, striking just eight unforced errors in the final set to Gauff's 18.
Pegula will take on Sabalenka in her next match, looking to build on her momentum.
The outcome of this match will be crucial in determining the finalists of the 2025 WTA Finals.