Jessica Pegula Defeats Defending Champion Coco Gauff at 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh

Coco Gauff, the reigning WTA Finals champion, faced a challenging start to her title defense at the 2025 WTA Finals with a grueling three-set loss to compatriot Jessica Pegula. Gauff struggled significantly with her serve, committing 17 double faults and numerous unforced errors, which Pegula capitalized on by breaking serve nine times and maintaining discipline in critical moments. Pegula acknowledged the fluctuating nature of the match, noting Gauff's improved serving in the second set but praised her own strategic focus and resilience, especially in the decisive third set. Despite Gauff's strong season, including a Grand Slam win at Roland Garros, her persistent serve issues have come under scrutiny, highlighting an area she had been working to improve with a biomechanic coach. Pegula's victory marks her first at the WTA Finals since 2023 and sets up a crucial next match against top seed Aryna Sabalenka, while Gauff must regroup quickly to stay competitive in the round-robin stage. Fans and analysts alike noted the disappointing nature of Gauff's performance, emphasizing the need for more consistent play moving forward.