Sabalenka downs Gauff to power into Wuhan Open final

Holder Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a first-set stumble to beat Coco Gauff 1-6 6-4 6-4 in the Wuhan Open semi-finals as double faults proved to be the American’s undoing.

Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen then overcame compatriot Wang Xinyu later on Saturday to ensure the Chinese fans will have a home player to cheer in Sunday’s final.

The 20-year-old Gauff, who has made some grip changes with new coach Matt Daly, committed 21 double faults as top seed Sabalenka, who struggled against the world No.4’s power earlier in the match, swung the momentum in her favour.

Gauff’s struggles echoed those of Sabalenka’s, who was often her own worst enemy on serve and previously led the WTA Tour for most double faults before employing a biomechanics trainer and finding a degree of consistency in 2023.

“I was playing that match thinking, ‘Well, girl, I feel you. I feel you like nobody else’,” Sabalenka told reporters.

“I know what she’s going through. This is really tough. But I know that if she’ll be able to overcome this serve situation, she’s already one of the best players, but I’m pretty sure she’s going to be one of the greatest players.

“I was just trying to put as much pressure on her as I could so she would go even crazier on her serve. She just dropped her level on her serve. I just felt like, ‘Okay, I still have some chances in this match’.

“I was pushing myself so hard to put balls back on the other side as much as I could.”

The Belarusian, who’s reached the final for the third time in a row, now faces fifth seed Zheng after the Chinese hero managed a 6-3 6-4 win over Wang.

Three-time grand slam winner Sabalenka found it hard to control her returns when Gauff got the first serve right, repeatedly overshooting the lines or finding the net.

Former US Open champion Gauff broke twice to build a 5-0 lead, with Sabalenka holding only once in the first set, which Gauff won with a forehand that left the world number two rooted to the spot across the court.

Sabalenka started the second set on an aggressive note, summoning the best of her strength on the shots. She finally found success as Gauff struggled to hold her own serve.

Gauff’s double faults coupled with slower, nervous second serves allowed Sabalenka to pressure her with power shots as the Belarusian won four games in a row to win the second set 6-4.

Sabalenka’s momentum continued in the third set as she went 4-1 up before Gauff got her first break in the set to make it 4-4. However, Sabalenka took control again, getting another break to win the match.

“I’m really happy to be in the final. One more to go and I will do everything I can to win this beautiful trophy for the third time,” Sabalenka said. “It will be a great match.”