The WTA Finals heats up on Day 4 with two pivotal matches that could determine the semifinal lineup. First up, we have a thrilling clash between two of the tour’s brightest stars, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, as they go head-to-head for a spot in the semifinals. Both players secured opening wins in the Orange Group, edging them closer to joining Aryna Sabalenka in the final four.
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Jessica Pegula and Barbora Krejcikova are locked in a high-stakes battle that neither can afford to lose. Each suffered defeat in their first match, meaning a loss here could slam the door on their chances of advancing.
Pegula vs. Krejcikova: One Match to Keep Hopes Alive
Jessica Pegula steps into her second match after a tough loss to Coco Gauff, who bested her 6-3, 6-2. Gauff’s aggressive approach ultimately made the difference, as she notched 16 winners to Pegula’s 8 and maintained a stronger serve throughout.
For Pegula, currently ranked World No. 6, this tournament holds a special weight as she’s looking to defend her runner-up finish from 2023. She’s up against a fierce competitor in Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, who has struggled to find consistency this season. Krejcikova enters the tournament as the lone participant outside the top 10, holding the No. 13 spot.
In her opener, Krejcikova pushed World No. 2 Swiatek to three sets in a fierce showdown but ultimately fell 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Her second serve proved a liability, as Swiatek converted six of 17 break opportunities. While Pegula’s strong hard-court record makes her a slight favorite, Krejcikova leads their head-to-head 2-1, including a win on indoor hard courts in Dubai.
Our Prediction:
Krejcikova to win.
Gauff’s Bid to Break Swiatek’s Stronghold
On the other side of the draw, Iga Swiatek has her eyes on a semifinal spot and a potential return to World No. 1. While Aryna Sabalenka currently holds the top ranking, Swiatek could reclaim it by winning this tournament undefeated—provided Sabalenka falters in her two remaining matches.
However, Swiatek’s main focus appears to be honing her game for the 2025 season. She kicked off the tournament with a hard-fought win over Krejcikova, coming from behind to win in three sets—a promising sign as she looks to regain top form.
In her way stands Coco Gauff, the World No. 3, who’s on a high after a stellar finish to her season. Despite their lopsided head-to-head record (11-1 in Swiatek’s favor), Gauff brings momentum from her recent title run at the China Open and her confident victory over Pegula.
For Gauff, a win here could almost lock up a semifinal berth, depending on the result of Pegula v Krejcikova. With Swiatek perhaps not at her sharpest, this might be Gauff’s golden opportunity to shift the balance in this rivalry.
Brace yourself for a day packed with action, as the WTA Finals continue to serve up some of the most intense tennis of the season.
Our Prediction:
Swiatek to win.