With Sabalenka beating Gauff 2-0, the WTA Finals update: the semifinalists are decided, and the matchups are confirmed.

On November 7th, 2025, Beijing time, the WTA Finals continued fiercely with the conclusion of two third-round matches in the Graf group. Sabalenka was in top form, sweeping Gauff 2-0 to secure her third straight victory and claim first place. Pegula shut out Paolini 2-0 to secure second place in the group. Defending champion Gauff ended with a 1-2 record, finishing third and exiting the tournament, while Paolini took her third consecutive loss and finished at the bottom. With that, the semifinalists have been revealed, with the United States claiming two spots as the big winners!

Pegula faced Paolini. Pegula was in excellent position; in the final round, she played against Paolini, who had already been eliminated after two straight losses. A win would essentially guarantee Pegula a place in the semifinals. Pegula showed strong form, dominating the match from start to finish, launching a fierce attack and overpowering Paolini. She won in straight sets 2-0, with scores of 6-2 and 6-3. Judging by the scoreline, Pegula’s victory was effortless and comfortable, while Paolini was completely outmatched, suffering her third straight defeat without a single win!

Sabalenka took on Gauff. The world number one clashed with the world number three, who is also the defending champion. For Gauff, this match was a do-or-die battle—she had to win to keep her semifinal hopes alive. Sabalenka, with less pressure, had already secured two wins and just needed to avoid a heavy defeat to advance. The match began with both players exchanging powerful shots, keeping the score tight in an intense battle that led to a tiebreak in the first set. Sabalenka edged out 7-6 to take the opening set. However, the second set turned into a one-sided affair; Gauff lost her rhythm, struggled to serve, and was overwhelmed by Sabalenka’s relentless offense. Ultimately, Gauff was crushed 2-6 in the second set, losing the match 0-2. This meant she missed out on the semifinals and her title defense ended, while Sabalenka secured her third straight win and first place in the group!

Therefore, the semifinalists for this tournament are Lebakina, Anisimova, Sabalenka, and Pegula. The semifinal matchups are as follows: the undefeated Lebakina (3-0) will face Pegula (2-1), and Sabalenka (3-0) will take on Anisimova (2-1). Who will advance to the final? Let’s wait and see!

Written by / Sports Novel