Coco Gauff, the defending champion, continues her campaign to reach the knockout stages of the WTA Finals with a solid victory over Jasmine Paolini. After a disappointing loss to fellow American Jessica Pegula in her opening group match, Gauff bounced back decisively, winning 6-3, 6-2 against Paolini, who has been struggling with illness and couldn’t perform at her best.
Gauff reflected on her performance, expressing satisfaction with her improvement since the first match. “I’m really happy with how I played, definitely a turnaround from my first match,” she stated. The young talent acknowledged the tournament’s structure, which allows players to redeem themselves, and she looks forward to her next challenge. Gauff must defeat Aryna Sabalenka in her upcoming match to maintain her chances of moving on to the semi-finals.
On the other hand, Paolini has been eliminated from the tournament without winning a set. Former professional tennis player Laura Robson commented on Gauff’s performance, noting it was a strong showing and encouraging Gauff to appreciate her capabilities despite her high self-standards.
In another thrilling encounter at the WTA Finals, Aryna Sabalenka secured a competitive win over Jessica Pegula, further establishing her position as a formidable contender. Sabalenka’s victory came in a tightly fought match, where she triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. She praised Pegula’s talent, stating that the match pushed her to stay aggressive and seize opportunities.
Currently, Sabalenka holds two wins in her group and will face Gauff next, while Pegula is set to play against Paolini.
In a separate event, Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals of the Hellenic Championship in Athens after defeating Alejandro Tabilo. Djokovic, who had lost to Tabilo in their previous encounters, showcased his experience and skill, serving 13 aces and dominating the match with a score of 7-6 (3), 6-1. The world number one emphasized the pressure he felt ahead of the match, given his past defeats, but he was able to channel energy from the crowd to secure a crucial win.
Additionally, Cameron Norrie reached the quarter-finals of the Moselle Open in Metz after a grueling three-set match against Arthur Cazaux. Norrie fought hard to prevail in a match that lasted nearly three hours, securing victory with scores of 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (7-8), 6-2. Norrie acknowledged the challenge of playing against a talented opponent and expressed appreciation for the support he received from the crowd during late-night tennis.
Fans can catch all the excitement of the ATP and WTA Tour Finals live on Sky Sports or stream it via the Sky Sports app. This year’s offerings include over 50 percent more live sport at no extra cost, enhancing sports viewership and engagement.