Elena Rybakina deprived the current world number one, Aryna Sabalenka of a clean sweep of victories in the group stage of the 2024 WTA Finals. Shortly after facing defeat at the hands of the Kazakhstani star, Sabalenka said, “I would say that emotionally, the first set, I was kind of off…not kind of…I was really off, and that’s something I have to fix before the semis.” In the SF, she’s all set to take on America’s Coco Gauff on Friday (November 8). Both these players have had some interesting battles in the past. They’re keen to end the year on the highest note, but who’s the favorite in this exciting contest?

Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff: Preview

Aryna Sabalenka has had an outstanding year so far! She has won four titles this season and out of these four titles, two are Grand Slam triumphs. Sabalenka started her reason by reaching the final of the Brisbane International, but over there she was defeated by Elena Rybakina. Then, she overcame that disappointing result with a title triumph at the 2024 AO. She won her second major title of the season by defeating America’s Jessica Pegula in the final of the 2024 US Open. In the WTA Finals, Sabalenka didn’t lose a set in her first two matches but in the third group stage match, she was defeated by Elena Rybakina 4-6,6-3,1-6.

Coco Gauff also had a good start to her season this year. She won the ASB Classic in January and after that, she made quite a few long runs in her next tournaments. However, the 20-year-old American failed to make full use of her opportunities in those matches. Her second title came at the China Open where she defeated Karolina Muchova (CZE) by 6-1,6-3. Here in Riyadh, just like Aryna Sabalenka even Coco Gauff started her campaign with two consecutive wins but in the third match, she was defeated by Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets.

Sabalenka vs Gauff: Head-to-Head

Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have crossed paths eight times with the current H2H being well poised at 4-4. It’ll be interesting to see who takes the lead in the ninth encounter. 

• 2024 Wuhan SF: Sabalenka 1-6,6-4,6-4.
• 2024 AO SF: Sabalenka 7-6(2),6-4.
• 2023 US Open Final: Gauff 2-6,6-3,6-2.
• 2023 Indian Wellls Masters QF: Sabalenka 6-4,6-0.
• 2022 Toronto R16: Gauff 7-5,4-6,7-6(4).
• 2021 Rome R16: Gauff 7-5,6-3.
• 2020 Ostrava R16: Sabalenka 1-6,7-5,7-6(2).
• 2020 Lexington R16: Gauff 7-6(4),4-6,6-4.

Prediction: Sabalenka to win in three sets

Beating Aryna Sabalenka this year seemed to be a mammoth task this year, but Elena Rybakina showed the world how it’s done! Both Sabalenka and Guaff have faced a shocking defeat in their previous matches, so we’re expecting them to come out with all guns blazing in this match. So, there is also a high possibility of going deep! Looking at the performance of both the players in this season, we’ve kept Sabalenka slightly ahead in this contest. She has really been very impressive this season and has managed to bring out her A-game in vital matches.

Apart from that, Aryna Sabalenka (1) has a win-loss index of 56-13 this season, but Coco Gauff’s (3) win-loss index is currently 52-17. Taking the grip of the match right from the start would be extremely crucial for both players. Now, if we take a look at their playing styles, Coco Gauff describes her playing style as aggressive. However, fans have often seen her taking up a defensive approach in her matches. Gauff has a strong serve and forehand – which is capable of causing a few troubles for Sabalenka. Apart from that, her incredible athleticism and swift court coverage makes her a real special player on the Tour. She can also bring a lot of variation in her shots to confuse her opponents.

Coco Gauff also has a unique ability to come out on top in most situations during longer rallies. However, her biggest concern right now is the high number of double faults. She has hit 228 aces this season and committed 407 double faults, but in her previous match against Krejcikova, we saw her firing 11 aces and committing just 4 double faults! If she manages to keep things tidy against Aryna Sabalenka, then the Belarusian may have a tough time against this American.

Aryna Sabalenka is more of a baseliner with a powerful, aggressive style of play. She can generate a lot of power behind her serves and groundstrokes. Her game is more based on taking control of points and hitting winners. After securing the year-end-world number one ranking, she’ll now be keen to clinch her first WTA Finals titles. Can she take one step forward toward that goal? Looks quite likely at the moment!