A finalist at the Finals in 2022, Sabalenka has been the best player on tour since late summer, when she strung together back-to-back titles at the Cinncinnati Open and US Open. She remained undefeated in Wuhan, winning her third title at the WTA 1000 tournament over home favorite Zheng Qinwen, who she beat again to open her WTA Finals campaign.
Another clean win over Jasmine Paolini assured her of the No. 1 ranking but errors plagued her against Gauff, who broke the three-time Grand Slam champion to force a tiebreaker. Racing ahead a quick 6-1 lead, she ultimately took the set on her third opportunity and opened up a double-break advantage early in the third.
Sabalenka made an admirable push as Gauff looked to consolidate but frustration hindered her focus. Though she converted an eighth break point opportunity to win a wild sixth game, she promptly lost serve to love, handing Gauff the chance to serve out the match.
The pair exchanged two more breaks with the finish line in sight, but that was enough for Gauff to secure victory. Gauff will face Zheng for the second time this year, having won their first meeting on clay at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
