Gauff puts friendship aside to claim Wuhan title

Coco Gauff rallied from the depths of a double break down in the second set to bury good friend Jessica Pegula 6-4, 7-5 to win the Wuhan Open on Sunday.

The American’s title win over her one-time doubles partner was not pretty, with seven breaks of serve in the second set. But Gauff finally prevailed as she regrouped to sweep the final four games to victory.

The 21-year-old Gauff earned her 11th career trophy, her first at the 1000 level this season after finals defeats in Madrid and Rome.

.Pegula and Gauff, won doubles titles back in the day at Miami and Doha two years ago and their history extends to the start of Gauff’s career.

“When I came on tour, you were one of the first people to be nice to me and welcome me with open arms,” she told the 31-year-old Pegula, . 

“That really goes a long way and still goes a long way. I appreciate you. And it’s great to finally play in a final against you.”

Pegula booked the final as she cut off the 20-match Wuhan win streak of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was closing in on a fourth straight title in the Chinese mega-city.

Main photo:- Coco Gauff with WTA Wuhan trophy – by WTATennis.com