Aryna Sabalenka admits she was mentally preparing for the second set against Coco Gauff before she pulled off "a miraculous first-set comeback" and completed a 7-6 (5) 6-2 WTA Finals win over Coco Gauff.
Needing one set to clinch the No. 1 spot in Group Stefanie Graf, Sabalenka found herself in early trouble after Gauff opened a 5-3 lead. Serving for the set at 5-4, the American held a 30/0 lead on her serve and came just two points away from taking the first set. Just when it seemed that the Belarusian was done, the world No. 1 impressively won the next four points – got the break back – before stealing the first set through a tie-break.
The match then quickly turned into a one-sided battle as Sabalenka went 4-0 up in the second set before putting the curtain on the match in the eighth game.
Sabalenka, who was beaten by Gauff in this year's French Open final, now stands at 6-6 in her matches against the world No. 3.
Sabalenka: I was working for the second set, but then magically turned around the first set
"We always have great battles. It's enjoyable playing against her because I know it's going to be a great fight. Whenever I focus on myself and what I have to do, without getting over-emotional and just staying in the zone – that's the key for me. I was just trying to stay aggressive, find my rhythm and find my game. I was working for the second set already, but then magically was able to turn things around. [I’m] super happy with the performance, super happy to get this win in straight sets and just happy to be through the round robin," the world No. 1 said afterward.
Sabalenka plays against Amanda Anisimova for a place in the WTA Finals final. It will be a rematch of this year's US Open final, where the Belarusian won.
