Jessica Pegula delivered a masterclass in resilience at the Wuhan Open on Saturday, overturning a 5-2 deficit in the final set to end Aryna Sabalenka's 20-match unbeaten streak at the tournament. The 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) semifinal victory sets up an all-American final against Coco Gauff, who defeated Italy's Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3.
Sabalenka, the World No. 1 and defending champion, appeared poised to extend her dominance after dominating the first set. But Pegula, playing her eighth consecutive three-set match in 17 days, staged a dramatic comeback, saving multiple match points. "I can't believe I came back and won that," said Pegula, who has now won seven of her last eight three-set battles this season.
Gauff, meanwhile, avenged three 2025 losses to Paolini with a disciplined performance. The World No. 3 overcame service challenges to secure her spot in the final, remarking: "I did what I needed to do to get through." The showdown marks the first Wuhan Open final between two American players since 2018.
