Coco Gauff’s first match in her title defence at the WTA Finals ended in defeat to Jessica Pegula.
In an all-American affair, Gauff conceded the first set, but clinched the second in a tiebreak to force a decider.
The match got away from the two-time major champion in the third set, however, which Pegula sealed to win 3-6, 7-6, 2-6, in what marked an important victory for her in a tough group.
Both stars are competing in the Stefanie Graf group, which also consists of Jasmine Paolini and WTA year-end number one Aryna Sabalenka.
After her triumph over Gauff, Pegula analysed her performance and had high praise for her compatriot.
Jessica Pegula reacts to beating Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals
Speaking on Sky Sports, the world number five said: “Today it was a really tough match. Coco is a great champion.
“She makes you win. She makes you really have to beat her and problem-solve. She was serving really well there, especially in the second.”
While Gauff’s serve gave Pegula some trouble throughout the match, it was certainly a performance to forget for the 21-year-old, who tallied 17 double faults and faced 18 break points, nine of which she conceded.
“I changed a few things,” said Pegula. “It wasn’t much. I felt like I was playing the right way and had my chances to win in the second as well, and I am pleased I wasn’t too discouraged and got off to a great start in the third.”
When asked if it is harder to play a close friend like Gauff, Pegula replied: “Honestly, no. Because we know what each other is going to do.
“It’s pretty much the same every time! It’s just who can execute it better and who plays better that day. So honestly, I feel like it’s a bit more straightforward.”
Pegula only played two matches at last year’s WTA Finals, missing her third due to a knee injury, with Daria Kasatkina taking her place as an alternate for the final match.
“I definitely wasn’t very healthy when I came into the Finals [last year],” she explained.
“I actually felt okay last year but the surface and a couple of things triggered a few injuries, I was not at my best.
“This year I have come in with a new perspective of enjoy it and compete. Everyone here is really good.
“All you are trying to do is have fun and take it as an honour to give yourself a chance. So I have come in with a much fresher perspective this year.”
Jessica Pegula takes a 5-3 head-to-head lead against Coco Gauff
Pegula’s win was her first against Gauff since the 2024 Berlin Tennis Open, where she won in straight sets to reach the final.
After that, Gauff won their next two meetings, emerging victorious in their bouts at the 2024 WTA Finals and the 2025 Wuhan Open.
- 2024 WTA Finals Round Robin: Gauff beats Pegula 6-3, 6-2
- 2025 Wuhan Open Final: Gauff beats Pegula 6-4, 7-5
Now, Pegula has taken a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head, and will hope to build on her performance in her pursuit of winning the WTA Finals for the first time.
She came close to going all the way in 2023, but lost in the final to Iga Swiatek.
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