Coco Gauff Beats Jessica Pegula to Capture Wuhan Open Crown

Coco Gauff Beats Jessica Pegula to Capture Wuhan Open Crown

When Coco Gauff, professional tennis player, American stepped onto Centre Court at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center on Sunday, the stakes were crystal clear: a third career WTA 1000 title and a hefty boost toward the year‑end race for the WTA Finals.

Facing her former doubles teammate, Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed from the United States, Gauff served an aggressive first‑serve that set the tone for a 6‑4, 7‑5 victory in the final of the Wuhan Open. The match, broadcast live from Wuhan, China on October 12, 2025, lasted one hour and forty‑seven minutes and was a showcase of power, precision, and the kind of friendly rivalry that only former partners can deliver.

Background: The Wuhan Open’s Return to the Asian Swing

The tournament, officially known as Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open 2025Wuhan, China, marks the event’s comeback after a five‑year hiatus caused by the global pandemic. Since its inaugural edition in 2014, the Wuhan Open has become a pivotal stop on the Asian swing, sitting neatly between the Beijing and Tokyo tournaments and often serving as a barometer for form heading into the WTA Finals in early November.

Sponsors Dongfeng Motor Corporation and its premium EV brand Voyah poured roughly $3.2 million into prize money, drawing a 56‑player singles draw with 16 seeds receiving first‑round byes. The venue, the Optics Valley International Tennis Center, boasts a 13,000‑seat centre court, a modern facility built specifically for high‑profile WTA events.

Road to the Final: How Gauff and Pegula Earned Their Spots

Gauff entered Wuhan as the third seed, carrying momentum from her 2024 Beijing title—the first WTA 1000 she captured on Chinese soil. She breezed through the early rounds, dropping only a handful of games. In the quarter‑finals, she faced Italian youngster Martina Paolini, winning 6‑3, 7‑6 in a match that highlighted her improved second‑serve consistency.

Pegula, seeded sixth, had a more circuitous route. After a tough three‑set win over world No. 12 Serena Williams in the second round—a match remembered for a blistering backhand winner from the left‑handed American—Pegula survived a rain‑delayed semifinal against Croatia’s Petra Martić, edging it 7‑5, 4‑6, 7‑5.

Both players displayed the aggressive baseline play that has become a hallmark of American women’s tennis this decade, setting the stage for a final that felt more like a showdown between friends than a cold‑blooded contest.

The Final Match: A Play‑by‑Play of the Decisive Moments

The opening set saw Gauff race out of the blocks, taking an early 3‑1 lead with a series of flat forehands that forced Pegula into defensive lobs. Commentator Jill Crabus noted, “It’s Gauff who takes the opening set. A topsy‑turvy encounter so far.” Gauff’s first‑serve percentage sat at a crisp 71%, and she converted 5 of 7 break points, closing the set 6‑4 in just 47 minutes.

Pegula responded in the second set, using her trademark backhand slice to disrupt Gauff’s rhythm. At 3‑3, she produced what the broadcast described as an “exquisite” cross‑court winner that earned a roar from the crowd. However, Gauff’s defensive prowess shone through; a spectacular backhand return at 4‑4 forced a rally that lasted 15 shots and ended with Pegula’s forehand sailing long.

At 5‑5, Gauff served an ace down the T, then followed with a high‑drag net approach, sealing the match 7‑5. The final point, a volley winner that landed just inside the sideline, drew a standing ovation from the 13,000 spectators.

Match statistics from the WTA’s official page show Gauff hit 42 winners to Pegula’s 29, while unforced errors stood at 23 for Gauff and 27 for Pegula—numbers that underline the slim margin between aggression and risk.

Reactions: Players, Officials, and Fans Weigh In

After the trophy ceremony, an emotional Gauff thanked her opponent, saying, “I appreciate you, Jess. It’s always special playing against a friend.” Pegula, ever gracious, replied, “Congrats, Coco. You earned it. I’ll be back stronger next year.”

WTA President Steve Simon praised the event’s organization, noting that the “crowd’s energy was evenly split, making for a truly global showcase of women’s tennis.” The local Chinese media highlighted the tournament’s role in boosting Wuhan’s post‑pandemic tourism, with city officials estimating a $12 million economic injection from the week‑long event.

On social media, fans debated the head‑to‑head record, which now sits at 4‑3 in favour of Gauff. The rivalry, while friendly, has become a narrative thread that analysts expect to continue through the rest of the season.

Looking Ahead: What the Win Means for the Rest of 2025

Gauff’s victory propels her to 7,850 WTA ranking points, solidifying her position as world No. 3 and putting her comfortably within the top‑eight needed for direct entry into the WTA Finals. The win also marks her second consecutive WTA 1000 title on Chinese soil—a feat not achieved by an American since Serena Williams in 2013.

Pegula, meanwhile, remains in the top‑ten and will likely target a deep run at the upcoming Hong Kong Open, hoping to close the points gap before the season‑ending championships. Both players have hinted at a possible doubles reunion later in the year, which could add another layer to their evolving partnership.

For the Wuhan Open itself, the success of 2025 sets a high bar for 2026. Organisers have already announced plans to expand the doubles draw and introduce a mixed‑team exhibition featuring retired Chinese stars—a move aimed at deepening local engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Gauff wins her third WTA 1000 title, defeating former partner Pegula 6‑4, 7‑5.
• The final lasted 1 hour 47 minutes, with Gauff serving 71% on first serve.
• Wuhan Open returns after a pandemic‑induced hiatus, offering $3.2 million in prize money.
• Victory adds 7,850 points to Gauff’s ranking, strengthening her bid for the WTA Finals.
• Pegula’s head‑to‑head record with Gauff narrows to 4‑3.