Wuhan Open 2024: Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (4) Coco Gauff vs (1) Aryna Sabalenka
Date: TBD
Tournament: 2024 Wuhan Open
Round: Semifinal
Venue: Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $3,221,715
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff preview
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will renew their burgeoning rivalry at the 2024 Wuhan Open, locking horns in the semifinal of the WTA 1000 event.
Sabalenka, the top seed at this year’s tournament, has never lost a match in Wuhan. The incredible 15-0 record has seen her lift titles in 2018 and 2019 and make the semifinals this year. And she has done it in style, dropping just one set this year against Yulia Putintseva in the quarterfinals.
The Belarusian’s 2024 season has been impressive as well, with her 52-12 win-loss record translating to three titles two of which have been Grand Slams.
Gauff, meanwhile, also looks like a renewed player under the tutelage of new coach Matt Daly. After an extended period of struggle with form and her serve in particular, the youngster romped home with the title in Beijing, beating the likes of Karolina Muchova, Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa en route.
Here in Wuhan, the American has extended her winning streak to nine with wins over Viktoriya Tomova, Marya Kostyuk and Magda Linette. Her season’s win-loss has also improved to 48-14 and she will look to keep the momentum going.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff head-to-head
Gauff leads Sabalenka in their current head-to-head stands at 4-3, but it was the Belarusian who took their latest meeting which came at the Australian Open 7-6(2), 6-4 earlier this year.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff odds
(Odds will be updated when available)
Aryna Sabalenka vs Coco Gauff prediction
The semifinal encounter will pit Sabalenka’s firepower against Gauff’s defensive prowess. In the given conditions, one has to give the former an edge.
Sabalenka’s baseline game has been firing on all cylinders this week as she has pushed opponents onto the backfoot with deep, consistent hitting. Her return game has been exceptional as she has broken her opponents on 15 occasions in three matches.
That stat should worry Gauff as, despite the improvement, her serving woes haven’t completely disappeared. She still came close to doubles figures in terms of double fault in her 6-0, 6-4 win over Magda Linette and simply cannot afford to post such numbers against Sabalenka.
Wuhan has been a happy hunting ground for the Belarusian, who is yet to lose a match at the tournament in three appearances. The quick courts play to her liking and unless Gauff can up the ante in her own game, she risks being blown away by her opponent’s power.
Prediction: Sabalenka to win in two tight sets