Jessica Pegula sends message to Coco Gauff on social media after losing to her in the Wuhan Open final

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Jessica Pegula fell agonizingly short of further WTA Tour success as she lost the Wuhan Open final to Coco Gauff.

Gauff claimed her third WTA 1000 title at the Wuhan Open, lifting the trophy after a 6-4, 7-5 win over Pegula.

Pegula was left confused by Gauff’s forehand in their final clash, which lasted one hour and 42 minutes in Wuhan.

The champion now has 11 WTA titles to her name, and has become the first player to go 9-0 in hard court finals.

Gauff is also the first player to win the Wuhan Open without dropping a set, while her 25 games lost is also the fewest in the event’s history.

Jessica Pegula messages Coco Gauff after losing to her in the Wuhan Open final

Pegula congratulated Gauff on court immediately after their match, and has extended that message on social media now that the dust has settled.

She wrote on Instagram: “Powered by beer & boba this week. Congrats Coco Gauff on a great week! China thank you for all the love.”

READ MORE: Coco Gauff confirms she has gone against one of her coach’s wishes straight after winning the Wuhan Open title

Her opponent was quick to share her appreciation for the message, with Gauff replying to Pegula: “Thanks Jess.”

Coco Gauff shares reaction to qualifying for the WTA Finals

Pegula has qualified for the WTA Finals thanks to her run in Wuhan, although that feat was achieved by Gauff before she got her tournament underway.

The 21-year-old, who won the tournament in Riyadh last year, secured her spot during her run to the China Open semifinals earlier this month.

But she was on hand to react to that place during the Wuhan Open, telling Arab News: “I think it means a lot to me.

“I think it just shows that I’m definitely not falling behind and I want to continue to improve and get higher in the ranking points and do well.

“For me, just qualifying for the finals, especially a bit early – I consider this early, not having to play the other tournaments, just feels great. This is a prestigious tournament, one that I always look forward to playing and being a part of.”

Gauff and Pegula will be joined in Riyadh by their fellow Americans Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys, while Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have also qualified.

Just two spots remain for the season-ending event, with Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina all likely to battle it out for those places.