Coco Gauff had a rough serving day in her opening WTA Finals match and Jessica Pegula took full advantage of it, beating the younger compatriot 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-2 in two hours and 15 minutes of play.
The match started in a turbulent way, with each player dropping their serve twice through the opening four games. Pegula then stabilized on her serve and won the first set after claiming her third and fourth breaks in the fifth and ninth games.
At the start of the second set, Gauff stabilized on her serve and went on to open a 5-3 lead. But then, the reigning French Open champion failed to serve out for the set in the 10th game, as well as in the 12th game. However, the world No. 3 still managed to force a decider after winning three consecutive points from 4-4 in the second set tie-break.
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Just when it seemed that the momentum may have switched to Gauff's side, the 21-year-old got broken by Pegula three times in the decider and started her WTA Finals title defense with a loss.
Gauff hit 17 double faults
During the match, Gauff hit a stunning 17 double faults and allowed 18 break points - of which Pegula nine converted. In the third set alone, the 21-year-old American sprayed five double faults.
Since Jasmine Paolini lost to Aryna Sabalenka earlier today, the Italian will be Gauff's next rival.
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On the other side, Pegula will meet Sabalenka in her next WTA Finals match, in what will be a rematch of the 2024 US Open final.
