Coco Gauff Triumphs Over Pegula with Junk-Ball Mastery at Wuhan Open
Coco Gauff showcased her impressive skills at the Wuhan Open, triumphing over Jessica Pegula in a gripping final. Gauff secured the victory with a score of 6-4, 7-5, marking her second title of 2025 and her first at the WTA 1000 level this year.
Coco Gauff’s Tactical Mastery
Gauff’s victory is credited to her exceptional “junk-ball” tactics. She effectively used the slower conditions at the tournament to disrupt Pegula’s rhythm. This strategy proved effective, especially as Pegula struggled to adapt after a challenging semifinal against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Match Highlights
- Gauff’s diverse shot selection included looping forehands, slicing, and powerful backhands.
- The final match saw seven breaks in the second set alone.
- Gauff initially fell behind as Pegula took a 3-0 lead.
- Responding aggressively, Gauff altered her play style to regain control.
As the match progressed, Pegula became visibly frustrated, often reacting to her inability to find her baseline rhythm. Gauff’s ability to mix heavy topspin with unpredictable slice shots continually pressured Pegula, reducing her effectiveness. Remarkably, despite having taken a significant early lead, Pegula faltered as Gauff won four consecutive games to clinch the match.
Road to the Final
Coco Gauff’s journey to victory was remarkable. She dropped just 16 games throughout the tournament, the fewest by any champion since the event began in 2014. In contrast, Pegula played a grueling series of matches, winning four three-set contests.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, both players prepare for the upcoming WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, starting on November 1. Gauff will defend her title, while Pegula comes back after having to withdraw from last year’s event due to injury. Gauff humorously dubbed Pegula the “three-set queen” during the trophy ceremony, highlighting their different paths to the final.
