Coco Gauff says what she has ‘learned’ about Jessica Pegula after beating her at the WTA Finals

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Coco Gauff bruised her way past compatriot Jessica Pegula in their WTA Finals opening round tie.

Coming on to court after Iga Swiatek started her title defence with a comeback win, the former doubles partners Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula faced off.

Gauff began her WTA Finals campaign with an impressive straight-set victory, winning 6-3, 6-2 in just 75 minutes, placing her at the top of her group.

The 20-year-old showcased her trademark powerful game, hitting 16 winners against Pegula – a player she has historically struggled against.

Heading into the match, Gauff held a 1-4 record against Pegula, who had previously defeated her decisively in the WTA Finals semi-finals a year ago.

However, the world number three turned the tables this time, breaking Pegula’s serve five times to secure the victory.

Coco Gauff takes lessons away from Jessica Pegula win

Gauff faced a challenge against both her own new and devastating serving troubles, as well as her American opponent – this year’s US Open runner-up.

By her own admission, she explained how the match required her to focus on each point, knowing that every opportunity had to be fought for.

Reflecting on her experience, Gauff emphasized the importance of perseverance and maintaining composure in tough conditions, especially with the added challenge of altitude.

She acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Pegula, expressing both relief at her victory and a desire to see them compete again in the final, stating: “Just staying in it. Every point, she doesn’t give you anything really. Every point I feel like I have to earn, that’s what I have learned the most.

“Staying solid, there is a lot of altitude and I am not used to it at all. She is tough for me to play, but I am happy to get through today and I root for her so hopefully we play again in the final,” Gauff concluded.

What is Coco Gauff’s record against Iga Swiatek?

Gauff has struggled enormously against Swiatek, managing to secure only one victory in their 12 encounters, which occurred at Cincinnati last year just weeks before the 20-year-old’s US Open triumph.

Their most recent tie took place at the French Open this year, where Swiatek displayed her dominance throughout the match, eventually going on to win the title.

This time however, with Swiatek having only played once since the US Open and also undergone a coaching change, this match doesn’t feel as connected to the 12 that have come before.

Perhaps, this is Gauff’s time to strike!