On Day 6 of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, players compete for two singles semifinals spots and a doubles semifinal spot. The Stefanie Graf and Liezel Huber groups conclude their round-robin play, intensifying the competition. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces off against Coco Gauff in a pivotal matchup, while Jessica Pegula seeks redemption against Jasmine Paolini, who has already been eliminated. In doubles, defending champions Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe encounter Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani in a winner-take-all match.
Advancement Scenarios for Singles
The Graf Group presents 16 possible qualification outcomes. This includes scenarios where Sabalenka, Gauff, and Pegula may all finish with a 2-1 record. Match outcomes will significantly influence advancement, with unique tiebreak rules applying.
- Aryna Sabalenka: Can clinch the group with a win. She may also finish second if Paolini beats Pegula or if Pegula wins in three sets.
- Coco Gauff: Advances with any victory, except if she wins in three sets while Pegula also wins in straight sets.
- Jessica Pegula: Best chance to advance is if both she and Sabalenka win their matches.
For Pegula, winning in straight sets while Gauff also wins can secure her spot. However, if Pegula wins in straight sets and Gauff wins in three sets, the decision will rely on the percentage of games won among these players.
Details of Thursday’s Matches
Below is the scheduled slate for Day 6, including starting times for matches.
Doubles Matchup
Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe vs. Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani
Match Time: 3 p.m.
This contest serves as a crucial decider. Dabrowski and Routliffe previously triumphed in 2025 at the US Open quarterfinals against Babos and Stefani.
Singles Matchups
- Jessica Pegula vs. Jasmine Paolini
Not before 5 p.m.
Head-to-Head: Pegula leads 5-1. - Aryna Sabalenka vs. Coco Gauff
Not before 6:30 p.m.
Head-to-Head: Gauff leads 6-5.
Player Insights
Jessica Pegula: Historically dominant against Paolini, Pegula has a chance to rebound after her previous loss. Paolini has struggled in her matches, facing defeats without winning more than three games in a set.
Aryna Sabalenka: Currently thriving in Riyadh, Sabalenka seeks to sweep the group and advance. She previously secured a win against Gauff in Madrid and looks to maintain her momentum.
Coco Gauff: The defending champion aims to replicate her past success in Riyadh, after a strong showing in her last match against Paolini.
Doubles Qualification Update
Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend have confirmed their advancement as group winners. They are set to face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens in the semifinals. The matchup between Dabrowski-Routliffe and Babos-Stefani will determine the second semifinalist from their group, who will face Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko.
The excitement builds as players vie for crucial semifinal spots in both singles and doubles while showcasing their skills at the WTA Finals.
