Jessica Pegula produced a stunning comeback to end Aryna Sabalenka’s perfect record in Wuhan, defeating the world number one 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) in a thrilling semi-final on Saturday.
The American will now face compatriot Coco Gauff in the championship match.
Pegula, contesting her eighth consecutive three-set match, rallied from 2-5 down in the final set to hand Sabalenka her first loss in 21 matches at the Wuhan tournament. “That was crazy, I can’t believe I came back and won that,” Pegula said after the victory. “I’m just really proud of myself. I’ve played so much tennis the last few weeks, so many three-set matches, but I feel like I’m very tough right now and I’m just using that as best I can.”
The sixth seed, who is through to her sixth final of the season, dethroned Sabalenka, the defending Wuhan champion, who entered the match boasting an impeccable 20-0 record at the event.
Played in cooler conditions than earlier rounds, both semi-finals were characterized by a high number of service breaks due to the slower pace. Five breaks occurred in the first six games before Sabalenka finally consolidated her advantage to take the opening set 6-2 after 40 minutes.
Despite struggling with her serve, Pegula’s powerful groundstrokes helped her regain composure in the second set. She squandered an early 2-0 lead but regained momentum to force a decider.
The final set was filled with twists as Sabalenka led 5-3 and served for the match. However, Pegula mounted a spectacular comeback, breaking back to lead 6-5. While serving for the match, she double-faulted four times and missed two match points, allowing Sabalenka to force a tiebreak. Pegula, however, elevated her game once more, dominating the breaker to clinch her third win in 11 meetings against Sabalenka.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff booked her place in the final with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jasmine Paolini. The 21-year-old overcame early nerves and service struggles to defeat the Italian, who had beaten her three times earlier this year.
“It was 3-0 this year but I think our head-to-head is even now,” Gauff said after the match. “I’m really happy with how I played today. It was tough, especially playing on the serve, but I did what I needed to do to get through.”
In a semi-final marked by erratic service games, the two-time Grand Slam champion held her nerve during crucial moments, finally holding serve in game seven of the second set to seal victory in 82 minutes.
With the win, Gauff advances to her fifth WTA 1000 final and third of the 2025 season, setting up a mouth-watering all-American showdown against Pegula for the Wuhan title.
What you should know
Jessica Pegula staged a brilliant comeback to end Aryna Sabalenka’s unbeaten run in Wuhan, winning 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).
She will face fellow American Coco Gauff, who defeated Jasmine Paolini. The final marks an all-American WTA 1000 title clash between two of the sport’s top-ranked players.
