WTA Finals Day 7 Preview & Schedule: Sabalenka-Gauff in highly anticipated clash, Zheng and Krejcikova with an invaluable opportunity
WTA
The seventh
day of the WTA Finals will bring the semifinals, featuring the four players who
surpassed the Round Robin phase. Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will headline
the day with a clash that feels like an early final. Meanwhile, Barbora
Krejcikova and Zheng Qinwen have avoided the top seeds, giving them a promising
path to the final.
In an
unexpected twist on Thursday, Krejcikova took control of the Orange Group after
defeating Coco Gauff, pushing her to the second position (which also led to Iga
Swiatek’s elimination). Thus, the Czech player avoided Sabalenka (who leads the
Purple Group) and will face China’s Zheng, who won their only previous
encounter.
Zheng and Krejcikova face off in wide-open semifinal
An
unexpected semifinal showdown, especially as Krejcikova seemed closer to
elimination just a day ago. However, the Czech player surprised everyone with a
notable win over Coco Gauff (7-5, 6-4), advancing as group leader and knocking
out defending champion Iga Swiatek.
At the
start of the tournament, Krejcikova seemed to be one of the less in-form
players, with much of her season’s points coming from Wimbledon and a 7-7
record on hard courts this season. Yet her experience has helped her hold her
ground against the world’s best players without getting rattled. Known for her
returning skills and effective backhand, she beat Americans Gauff and Jessica
Pegula.
It won’t be
easy against Zheng Qinwen, who began the tournament with a loss to Sabalenka
but rebounded with straight-set victories over Elena Rybakina and Jasmine
Paolini. The 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist has gained momentum, securing her
spot as World No. 6 and eyeing a prime opportunity against Krejcikova in an
open match.
Barbora Krejcikova at the WTA Finals
Both
players will surely be pleased to avoid Sabalenka and Gauff until a potential
final, as Zheng and Krejcikova head into this match with no clear favorite.
Although the Chinese player has been one of the most in-form players towards
the season’s end, she has far less experience in high-stakes matches than
Krejcikova, which may be decisive under pressure.
One factor
that’s cost Zheng in her losses to Sabalenka (three in the last two months) has
been her first serve percentage, which has often dropped to around 50%. Facing
the pressure of a match of this magnitude could affect the 22-year-old, who
tends to make errors when she can’t control the game—an area Krejcikova could
exploit.
Sabalenka and Gauff set for a final-caliber duel
This matchup is a final in all but name, especially as Gauff seemed poised to
lead her group after the last day of play and avoid Aryna Sabalenka until the
final. However, a surprise loss to Krejcikova relegated the American to second
place, setting up a semifinal clash with the World No. 1.
Gauff
delivered a strong debut performance against Jessica Pegula with a comfortable
win, followed by her second-ever victory in 13 matches against Iga Swiatek. The
match was filled with unforced errors from both players, including 11 double
faults from the American. Against Krejcikova, Gauff showed strong first-serve
effectiveness (61%, winning 68% of points), but her lack of consistency in key
moments cost her the match, along with 40 unforced errors in just two sets.
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff after semifinals clash at 2024 Australian Open.
The 2023 US
Open champion had 12 break opportunities but only converted one, while
Krejcikova capitalized on three out of four, beating Gauff in straight sets to
top the group. Gauff has shown improvement in recent weeks since changing
coaches, and although unforced errors remain an issue, she’s considered one of
the strongest challengers against the inspired Sabalenka.
The
Belarusian remains the favorite. Securing the year-end No. 1 ranking, she won
two Grand Slams and two WTA 1000 titles and has displayed great form throughout
the tournament. Straightforward wins over Zheng Qinwen and Jasmine Paolini
ensured her spot as group leader. However, she was upset by Elena Rybakina, who
elevated her game in their match, showing that Sabalenka is not unbeatable.
Read also
Their
head-to-head record stands at 4-4, with Sabalenka winning their two matches
this year in the Australian Open and Wuhan Open semifinals. In fact, Gauff’s
last victory over Sabalenka was in the 2023 US Open final.
2024 WTA Finals (11-07)
Center Court
| Group Stage - Final | |
 Daria Kasatkina |
1 0 |
 2Iga Swiatek |
6 6 |
| Group Stage - Final | |
 8Barbora Krejcikova |
7 6 |
 3Coco Gauff |
5 4 |
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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