Coco Gauff kept her hopes of reaching the WTA Finals semifinals alive after producing a remarkable comeback to defeat Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 7-5 in their final Group 1 encounter. The American appeared to be heading towards a deciding set after falling 1-5 behind in the second, but recovered to win six consecutive games and complete a straight-sets victory in a match that swung dramatically in the closing stages.
The 22-year-old entered the contest knowing that a victory was essential to maintain her chances of reaching the last four. However, beating Kostyuk would not be enough on its own. Gauff must now wait for the outcome of the remaining Group 1 match between Linda Noskova and Jessica Pegula, with the American needing the already-qualified Czech to win and prevent Pegula from claiming the other semifinal spot.
Kostyuk, meanwhile, had already been eliminated following two consecutive defeats and was playing for pride in her final appearance of the group stage. The Ukrainian initially looked capable of making life difficult for Gauff, particularly after taking control of the second set, but was unable to maintain her advantage when the pressure increased.
The match also featured some physical concerns for Gauff. The American received attention from the physiotherapist during a change of ends and called for a medical timeout while trailing in the second set. Although she continued to show signs of discomfort, she managed to regain control at the most important moment and avoid dropping a set.
Gauff takes opening set after exchange of early breaks
Both players struggled to find consistency during the opening stages, with unforced errors accounting for much of the early action. Kostyuk secured the first break to move ahead 1-0, but Gauff immediately responded as the Ukrainian also struggled to settle. The two exchanged further holds before the American began to gain control of the scoreboard.
Gauff claimed a second break to move 4-2 ahead, with the match producing 16 unforced errors and just three winners between them at that stage. She then consolidated for 5-2, saving a break point with a superb drop shot that caught Kostyuk off balance.
This was an INSANE point from Coco Gauff 🤯 #FAGEWTAFinals | @BetMGM https://t.co/svuQEdyRcF
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 12, 2026
The Ukrainian received a medical timeout before attempting to extend the set, and appeared more composed when play resumed. She held serve and then broke Gauff as the American struggled to close out the set, reducing the deficit to 5-4.
However, Kostyuk could not complete the comeback. Gauff broke again in a tight game to take the opening set 6-4, putting herself halfway towards the victory she needed to preserve her qualification hopes.
Kostyuk lets 5-1 lead slip as Gauff completes comeback
The second set initially followed a completely different pattern. Kostyuk broke Gauff immediately and then survived a major scare on serve, saving four consecutive break points after falling 0-40 to consolidate for 2-0. Another break followed, giving the Ukrainian a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Gauff received further medical attention during a change of ends, while Kostyuk used the interruption to consult her coach. The Ukrainian continued to dictate play after the restart, extending her lead to 4-0 and then 5-1. With the finish line in sight, she appeared close to forcing a deciding set.
Gauff refused to surrender, however, holding serve to make it 5-2 after saving three set points. The American then began to take advantage of Kostyuk's growing uncertainty, while her own level improved considerably. She broke back to reduce the deficit to 5-4, leaving the Ukrainian with another opportunity to serve for the set.
Coco Gauff of United States celebrates the win of the match during the 2026 US Open
Kostyuk faltered again. Gauff won 12 of the next 13 points, breaking once more to level the score at 5-5 before holding serve to move ahead. Having trailed 1-5, the American had now won five consecutive games and was suddenly one game away from victory.
Kostyuk could not stop the momentum. Gauff secured a sixth consecutive game to complete the 6-4, 7-5 victory, avoiding a deciding set and keeping her WTA Finals campaign alive.
The result leaves Gauff waiting for the final Group 1 match between Noskova and Pegula. A victory for the Czech would allow the American to advance to the semifinals, while a Pegula win would end Gauff's hopes of reaching the last four.
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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
