WTA Finals Chaos: Sabalenka's Two Consecutive Wins Still Not Enough to Advance, Gauff Eliminates Paolini 2-0

On November 5th Beijing time, the second round of the WTA Finals group stage continued, wrapping up two matches in the Graf group and causing major upheaval. World No. 1 Sabalenka battled through three sets to beat Pegula 2-1, while defending champion Gauff dominated Paolini in straight sets 2-0. Consequently, Sabalenka, despite her two wins, still hasn’t qualified; Gauff and Pegula both hold 1 win and 1 loss, keeping their hopes alive, whereas Paolini has been eliminated after two straight losses.

Sabalenka faced Pegula. Both players had one victory each entering this round, fighting for their second win. Recently, Pegula defeated Sabalenka at the Wuhan Open, so this match was highly competitive. Sabalenka pulled ahead late in the first set to win 6-4. The second set was dominated by Pegula, who overwhelmed Sabalenka 6-2 to even the match. In the decisive set, Sabalenka showed great resilience and dominance, overpowering Pegula with strong serving and rallies, ultimately winning 6-3 to claim the match 2-1 and secure her second consecutive victory, just one step away from the semifinals!

Gauff took on Paolini. After losing 1-2 to Pegula in a derby last round and losing momentum, Gauff needed a win against the group’s weakest player, Paolini. Gauff played fiercely and seriously throughout, dominating both offense and defense to crush Paolini. She won decisively with scores of 6-3 and 6-2, keeping her semifinal hopes alive, while Paolini was eliminated after suffering her second straight loss.

After two rounds in the Graf group, no player has yet qualified for the semifinals, creating a real mess. Sabalenka’s two wins put her close to the semifinal door but elimination is still possible, so she must remain cautious and watch Gauff’s performance. Pegula holds the advantage and if she beats Paolini, her chances to reach the semifinals are very high. Meanwhile, in another group, only Rybakina has secured a semifinal spot, with the second semifinalist yet to be decided in the final round. Let’s wait and see!

Written by / Sports Novel