Gauff eliminates Paolini to revive chances of advancing at WTA Finals

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 04: Coco Gauff of United States plays a backhand against Jasmine Paolini of Italy during their Round Robin Singles match on day four of the WTA Finals Riyadh as part of the Hologic WTA Tour 2025 at King Saud University Indoor Arena on November 04, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Linnea Rheborg / Getty Images Sport / Getty

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Defending champion Coco Gauff revived her chances of advancing at the WTA Finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jasmine Paolini on Tuesday.

Gauff also improved her serving, hitting only three double-faults — far fewer than the 17 that she produced in her opening match, a three-set loss to Jessica Pegula.

"Definitely a turnaround from my first match," Gauff said. "It's the beauty of this tournament and to have another chance to prove yourself."

Gauff next faces top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka to determine if she advances in the season-ending event for the top eight players, while Paolini was eliminated from contention with two losses.

Sabalenka leads the group after beating Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

Paolini is also playing doubles at the event with partner Sara Errani.

"I don't think Jasmine was 100% today," Gauff said. "Playing singles and doubles is not easy."

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

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