COCO GAUFF’S WTA FINALS TITLE DEFENSE STARTS WITH SHOCK DEFEAT TO JESSICA PEGULA IN RIYADH
Reigning WTA Finals champion Coco Gauff suffered a surprising setback in the opening match of her title defense at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, falling to close friend and fellow American Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 3-6, 7-6, 2-6.
The match, played under the glowing lights of the newly built King Abdullah Tennis Arena, was expected to be a confident start for Gauff, who entered the tournament as the defending champion after a stellar 2024 season. Instead, Pegula flipped the script with a composed and calculated performance, using her deep groundstrokes and tactical patience to frustrate the 21-year-old star.
Gauff began the match aggressively, but unforced errors crept in early, allowing Pegula to break twice and claim the first set 6-3. The second set saw Gauff fight back fiercely, saving multiple break points and forcing a tiebreak, but Pegula’s consistency prevailed as she edged it 7-6 (5).
By the third set, Gauff’s rhythm faltered, and Pegula capitalized, racing to a 4-1 lead before sealing the match 6-2 in just over two hours.
“I know how good Coco is — she’s the defending champion for a reason,” Pegula said after the win. “I just tried to stay solid and make her earn every point. It feels great to start the Finals this way.”
For Gauff, it was a tough start to her title defense but not an unfamiliar challenge. “It wasn’t the result I wanted, but I still have matches left,” she said post-match. “I just need to reset and bring more energy next time.”
The loss puts Gauff under early pressure in the group stage as she aims to secure a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, Pegula’s victory boosts her confidence and strengthens her campaign for her first WTA Finals crown.
The 2025 WTA Finals continue in Riyadh this week, featuring the world’s top eight players battling for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s tennis.
