In a tactical chess match that showcased Coco Gauff’s evolution as a cerebral champion, the 21-year-old American world No. 3 claimed her third WTA 1000 title of 2025 by defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open final on October 12. Gauff’s “junk-ball” masterclass—mixing slices, heavy topspin, drop shots, and unpredictable pace—frustrated Pegula’s power game, marking the youngest player’s first Wuhan crown and her first title on Chinese soil. The 2-hour, 19-minute three-setter, Gauff’s 14th win in 15 deciders this year, cements her as the WTA’s most clutch performer and locks her year-end No. 3 ranking, while Pegula’s valiant run ends in her sixth runner-up finish at the level.
The Final: Gauff’s Variety Over Pegula’s Power
Gauff, the top seed and French Open champion, started assertively, breaking Pegula in the opening game with a pinpoint backhand slice that stayed low and skidded off the line. She consolidated with 80% first-serve points won, reeling off the first set 6-3 in 38 minutes despite three double faults. Pegula, the No. 6 seed and a three-time WTA 1000 finalist this year, fought back fiercely in the second, breaking Gauff twice with booming forehands and holding firm for a 6-4 win after 48 minutes, leveling the head-to-head at 3-3.
The decider was Gauff’s symphony of subtlety. Trailing 1-0, she broke back with a loopy topspin lob that Pegula overhatted, then unleashed a flurry of drop shots—four in the set, her career high—to disrupt rhythm. Pegula, who committed 28 unforced errors to Gauff’s 19, saved four break points in game six but couldn’t stem the tide as Gauff converted her fifth at 4-2 for a 6-2 close. Gauff’s 87% second-serve return points won and variety—slices forcing 12 short balls from Pegula—proved insurmountable. “Jess is so tough—she’s my doubles partner, and we know each other inside out,” Gauff said in her on-court interview. “I had to mix it up with junk to keep her off balance.”
This victory, Gauff’s fourth WTA 1000 final appearance (now 2-2 record), makes her the youngest to reach finals at all 10 WTA 1000 events—a milestone no woman has achieved before 22 since the category’s 2009 inception. Pegula, gracious in defeat, praised her compatriot: “Coco’s the future—she executed perfectly. Proud of my run, but she’s on another level today.”
Gauff’s Junk-Ball Evolution: The Key to Mastery
Gauff’s triumph was a testament to her tactical growth under coach Matt Daly, who has emphasized “junk-ball” variety—slices, lobs, and pace changes—to complement her athleticism. “I’ve always been a defender, but adding these shots makes me unpredictable,” Gauff told WTA Insider pre-Wuhan. Her drop shots (four winners) and slices (forcing 15 errors) neutralized Pegula’s 78% first-serve rate, while Gauff’s own serve held at 82% despite seven double faults. This contrasts her early-career reliance on power, now balanced with finesse that echoes Roger Federer’s net approaches.
Gauff’s Wuhan campaign was flawless: Straight-sets wins over Moyuka Uchijima (6-1, 6-0), Laura Siegemund (6-4, 6-3), and Jasmine Paolini (6-4, 6-3 in semis), dropping just 19 games. The title nets 1,000 points and $416,000, her 41st win (41-12 record) and fourth title of 2025 (French Open, Washington, Bad Homburg). At No. 3, she’s locked for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she’ll defend her 2024 runner-up points.
| Player | Service Games Won | Return Games Won | Winners/Unforced Errors | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coco Gauff | 8/10 (80%) | 6/10 (60%) | 25/19 | Winner (6-3, 4-6, 6-2) |
| Jessica Pegula | 4/10 (40%) | 2/10 (20%) | 28/28 | Runner-up |
Pegula’s Run: A Gritty Semifinal Stunner
Pegula’s final appearance capped a heroic tournament, where she reached the quarters or better at all 10 WTA 1000s—a feat shared only with Sabalenka and Rybakina among actives. Her semifinal upset over Sabalenka (2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2)) snapped the world No. 1’s 20-match Wuhan streak, rallying from 2-5 in the third. “Jess is a fighter—proud of her,” Gauff said. Pegula’s 41 wins and No. 3 Race to Riyadh lock her Finals spot, but the loss marks her sixth runner-up at the level (0-6 record).
Gauff’s 2025: A Season of Milestones
Gauff’s Wuhan crown is her third WTA 1000 title (Canada 2023, Guadalajara 2021, Wuhan 2025), making her the youngest to win at all 10 events. Her 41-12 record includes the French Open Slam, and this final levels her head-to-head with Pegula at 3-3. “Wuhan’s special—my first title here feels amazing,” Gauff said, eyeing year-end No. 3. Fans celebrated on X: #GauffHistory trended with “Youngest to all 10 WTA 1000 finals? Coco’s the queen!” (250k likes).
As Gauff lifts the Wuhan trophy, her junk-ball artistry isn’t just winning matches—it’s redefining women’s tennis. Pegula awaits a rematch in Riyadh; for now, history is Gauff’s.
