New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff at WTA Finals Riyadh 2025 in a quarterfinal clash, stamping her authority as world No.1 with a 7-6(5), 6-2 win that ended the American's tournament dreams. The Belarusian star's blend of raw power and ice-cold composure lit up the King Saud University Indoor Arena on Thursday night.

From the opening exchanges, it was clear this showdown would deliver fireworks. Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old sensation, grabbed an early break-even serving for the first set at 5-4. But Sabalenka refused to blink.

However, a drop shot from Gauff backfired spectacularly, allowing Sabalenka to unleash a forehand winner. The tiebreak turned into a rollercoaster, Gauff surged to 3-1, forcing Sabalenka to ve...