The stage is set for a thrilling semifinal day at the Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open 2025, with four of the world’s top players battling for a place in Sunday’s final. The lineup features no major surprises, but plenty of intrigue and history — particularly in the night session between three-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 6 Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka vs Pegula – Clash of Power and Consistency
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues to dominate in Wuhan, where she boasts a flawless 20–0 career record and has claimed the title in the past three editions. Fresh off a 6–3, 6–3 victory over Elena Rybakina, the Belarusian extended her winning streak to 10 consecutive matches, including her US Open triumph just a month ago.
“We have a big history against each other,” Sabalenka said after defeating Rybakina. “Every time we play, it’s a real battle that pushes me to my limits.”
Her next challenge comes from Jessica Pegula, the world No. 7, who once again proved her resilience with another three-set win — this time over Katerina Siniakova. Remarkably, Pegula has now contested seven straight three-set matches across Beijing and Wuhan, showing her trademark fighting spirit.
The American is chasing her seventh career WTA 1000 final, but history favors Sabalenka. The top seed holds an 8–2 head-to-head lead, having won their last four encounters, including a dramatic comeback in the US Open semifinals just weeks ago. Given Sabalenka’s confidence and form in Wuhan, Pegula faces an uphill battle to stop the world No. 1’s march to another final.
Gauff Aims to Break Paolini’s Streak
In the first scheduled semifinal, Coco Gauff will look to end her recent struggles against Jasmine Paolini, who has beaten the American three straight times this season. Gauff, the No. 3 seed, has been in commanding form this week — racing through her matches with minimal time on court and losing just 11 games in total. Wins over Moyuka Uchijima (6–1, 6–0), Shuai Zhang (6–3, 6–2), and Laura Siegemund (6–3, 6–0) highlight her sharpness ahead of this key encounter.
Paolini, seeded No. 7, arrives on a surge of confidence after dismantling Iga Swiatek 6–1, 6–2 in what was arguably the shock result of the quarterfinals. It was her first-ever win against the world No. 2, achieved in just over an hour of fearless, attacking tennis.
With two WTA Finals spots still up for grabs, Paolini now holds a 200-point lead over Rybakina in the Race to Riyadh. Another win here could all but secure her place among the elite eight.
The Italian leads the head-to-head 3–2, with her most recent wins coming this season in Rome and Cincinnati — including a dominant victory in the Rome Open final. Gauff, however, will be eager to turn the tide and reach her first Wuhan final.
Semifinal Schedule – Saturday, October 11
| Time (Local) | Match | Court |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Coco Gauff 🇺🇸 vs Jasmine Paolini 🇮🇹 | Center |
| 6:30 PM | Aryna Sabalenka 🇧🇾 vs Jessica Pegula 🇺🇸 | Center |
Our Predictions in Bold
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