Coco Gauff beats Jessica Pegula in the first round of the WTA finals

Despite having a better season and higher ratings, Coco Gauff has struggled with Jessica Pegula in the past. The rising superstar had previously lost four of her five matches to the veteran tennis player.

However, after the US Open, Gauff played at a much higher level and shook things up. coaching staff. On Sunday, Gauff defeated Pegula in straight sets in her WTA Finals group stage match, 6-3, 6-2.

Gauff said after the match: “It was a tough match. She is always a strong competitor. Overall I’m just happy with how I played. I think we both played at a high level, I just managed to break through in some of the most important moments.”

Not only did Gauff help balance out her lopsided fight against Pegula, but she also made history. Today was Gauff’s 20th top-10 win of her career and her biggest win since she defeated last year’s sixth seed Marketa Vondrousova at the 2023 WTA Finals.

Gauff entered the match as a three seed with a 48–15 record and two singles titles. Pegula finished sixth with a 38-13 record and two singles titles this year. The two friends played doubles together during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Gauff will face Iga Swiatek on Tuesday for a chance to win the Orange Group. Pegula will face Barbora Krejcikova, who lost to Swiatek today. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated. Submit to SI all the most important news from sports.