Coco Gauff sweating during an intense match under a blue sky, gripping racket in anime style

From Friends to Finalists: Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula Face Off in the 2025 Wuhan Open Final

The Wuhan Open, the final WTA 1000 event of the season, will crown a new champion after three straight titles from Aryna Sabalenka (2018, 2019, 2024). This year’s championship match features two of the biggest names in American tennis — Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula — meeting for the seventh time in their careers.

Both reached the final in style. Gauff defeated Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, while Pegula delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, halting Sabalenka’s 20-match unbeaten streak in Wuhan. Remarkably, this will be their first meeting in a final, with Pegula currently leading their head-to-head 4–2.

Gauff’s Flawless Run — Undefeated and Dominant

After a stretch of inconsistency during the U.S. hard-court swing, Coco Gauff has found her best tennis again on the Asian circuit. Following a semifinal finish in Beijing, the World No. 3 has reached the Wuhan final without dropping a set, improving her Asian swing record to 8–1.

Her path to the final has been commanding: wins over Moyuka Uchijima (6–1, 6–0), Shuai Zhang (6–3, 6–2), Laura Siegemund (6–3, 6–0), and Jasmine Paolini (6–4, 6–3). Paolini had just stunned six-time major champion Iga Świątek, but against Gauff’s pace and precision, she could only watch as points flew by.

Although Gauff has reduced her double faults to manageable levels — 19 in her last three matches — she continues to dominate behind her athleticism, first-serve accuracy, and mental composure. If she maintains this form, she’s on track for another major milestone before the WTA Finals.

Pegula Ends Sabalenka’s Wuhan Reign

Jessica Pegula has built her reputation on steadiness and resolve, and this week was no exception. The World No. 6 battled through a tough draw to reach her seventh WTA 1000 final, ending Sabalenka’s reign in a thrilling semifinal.

Her Wuhan campaign included wins over Hailey Baptiste (6–4, 4–6, 7–6), Ekaterina Alexandrova (7–5, 3–6, 6–3), Katerina Siniakovr (2–6, 6–0, 6–3), and finally Aryna Sabalenka (2–6, 6–4, 7–6). Pegula’s comeback win over the Belarusian snapped a four-match losing streak and handed the three-time champion her first-ever loss in Wuhan.

That result also secured Pegula’s spot at the WTA Finals for the fourth year in a row. She now has a chance to capture her fourth WTA 1000 title, and regardless of Sunday’s outcome, she’s already guaranteed to rise to World No. 5.

Pegula vs. Gauff: Familiar Faces, First Final

For the first time, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff — doubles partners, friends, and two of the leading figures in U.S. women’s tennis — will face off for a singles title. Their rivalry currently tilts in Pegula’s favor, 4–2 overall (3–1 on hard courts), but Gauff won their most recent encounter at the 2024 WTA Finals, en route to the championship.

This clash represents the best of American tennis: the established consistency of Pegula against the explosive energy of Gauff. One has battled through long, grinding matches; the other has swept through the draw without losing a set. Whichever prevails, this All-American final guarantees a fitting close to the WTA 1000 season.

Match Information

Jessica Pegula vs. Coco Gauff – Wuhan Open Final
📍 Center Court
🕕 Sunday, October 12, 6:30 PM (local)
🏆 Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open 2025

CategoryJessica PegulaCoco Gauff
RankingNo. 6 (Live: 5)No. 3 (Live: 3)
Age3121
ResidenceBoca Raton, FLDelray Beach, FL
PlaysRight-handedRight-handed
2025 Record49–20 (71%)44–14 (76%)
Titles (YTD/Career)3 / 92 / 10
Prize Money$20.46M$28.13M
Head-to-Head4–2 (Pegula leads)2–4
Last MeetingGauff def. Pegula – WTA Finals 2024, 6–3, 6–2

What’s at Stake

For Gauff, a win would mark her first WTA 1000 title of the year and cement her position as one of the sport’s dominant forces heading into the season finale. For Pegula, victory would mean a fourth career title at this level. Both women can add an extra $596,000 to their prize money.

No matter who lifts the trophy, the winner of the Wuhan Open final will be American.

Our Prediction: Jessica Pegula

2025 Wuhan Open WTA1000 Results (Updated) Including Qualifiers (Opens in a new browser tab)

2025 ATX Open Final Match Report — Jessica Pegula Clinches WTA Title with Dominant Win Over McCartney Kessler (Opens in a new browser tab)


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