Aryna Sabalenka fired a warning shot at the season-ending WTA Finals on Sunday, cruising to a 6‑3, 6‑1 victory over Jasmine Paolini, while Jessica Pegula overcame defending champion Coco Gauff 6‑3, 6‑7(4), 6‑2 in a fluctuating match.
Sabalenka, who has now secured 60 wins this season, delivered an emphatic performance highlighted by 11 aces and minimal break-point opportunities for Paolini. “It doesn’t matter the score, I always know I have to stay focused,” Sabalenka said after the match.
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Pegula capitalized on Gauff’s 17 double faults and 45 unforced forehand errors to pull through in the decider after losing the second-set tie-break.
Sabalenka now emerges as the clear frontrunner in the “Steffi Graf” group, sending a strong message to her rivals. Pegula’s win positions her as a serious contender following Gauff’s lapse in composure.
