Coco Gauff Reveals Special Memory of Jessica Pegula While Arriving on Tour After Wuhan Open Final

Coco Gauff ended her impressive Asian swing on a high note, capturing the Wuhan Open title with a straight-sets victory over Jessica Pegula (6-4, 7-5). The 21-year-old American showed her trademark intensity and focus throughout the match.

Despite hitting eight double faults, she used her aggressive baseline play to take control of key points and earn her 11th career title. The win also marked her second trophy of the season and third WTA 1000 crown, equaling Pegula’s tally at that level.

In her post-match speech, Gauff reflected warmly on her long-standing connection with Pegula. She recalled how Pegula had been one of the first players to welcome her on the WTA Tour, helping her feel at ease when she was still finding her footing. Gauff expressed genuine appreciation for that support, saying those gestures still mean a great deal to her today. Gauff said in her post-match ceremony:

When I arrived on the tour, you were one of the first people to be kind to me and welcome me with open arms. That really helped me a lot, so I appreciate you. It’s great to finally play a final against you, and I hope to have many more. So congratulations and thank you.

She also praised Pegula’s strength and resilience, calling her the “three-set queen” — a nod to her rival’s habit of battling through long matches. Gauff admitted she was determined to finish this final in two sets, knowing Pegula’s record in deciders often gave her the upper hand. That determination showed in her poise during tense moments, where she managed to close out both sets under pressure.

Gauff ended her remarks with respect and gratitude toward Pegula’s team, calling them “class acts.” She described the final as competitive, emotional, and the kind of match every player hopes to experience on a big stage. With this victory, Gauff not only added another trophy to her growing collection but also reinforced her reputation as one of the sport’s most composed and mature young champions.

Coco Gauff lands her first Masters 1000 title of 2025

American tennis star Coco Gauff produced 24 winners in the Wuhan Open final, 11 more than Jessica Pegula and slightly more than her own unforced errors. What stood out was not just the number of winners, but the timing.

She consistently struck cleanly when it mattered most, starting from the opening rally. The first point — a 15-shot exchange — ended with Gauff firing a forehand winner down the line, setting the tone for her performance.

That early momentum carried her to a quick 3-0, then 4-1 lead in the opening set. Pegula, showing her trademark resilience, fought back to even the score at 4-4. Still, Gauff stayed composed under pressure. A crisp cross-court backhand winner helped her survive a tough service game to move ahead 5-4, before breaking Pegula in the next game to claim the first set.

The second set began with Pegula taking charge, racing to a 3-0 advantage. Gauff, however, refused to fade. Facing the danger of going down 4-0, she responded with a gutsy smash winner at the net after an eight-shot rally. That point sparked a surge of confidence, and she reeled off three straight games to pull level at 3-3.

Pegula tried once more to turn the match, serving for the set at 5-4. But Gauff broke her again, using patient defense and sharp placement to win a 12-shot rally with a backhand down the line. With the momentum fully on her side, Gauff broke for the fourth time in the set, sealing the victory with one last forehand winner — a fitting end to a commanding performance.

How much Coco Gauff has earned from Wuhan?

Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets to capture the 2025 Wuhan Open title, marking her second trophy of the season after her French Open triumph. The American star clinched the match 6-4, 7-5, showcasing resilience and composure in crucial moments to claim her maiden Wuhan crown.

The opening set was closely contested until Gauff broke Pegula’s serve at 5-4 to secure the lead. In the second, Pegula jumped ahead 3-0 and later 5-3, but Gauff mounted a strong comeback, winning four straight games to close out the victory. The Wuhan Open featured a 56-player draw, with the top eight seeds receiving first-round byes.

For her title run, Gauff pocketed $596,000 in prize money and valuable WTA ranking points as the champion. Pegula, the runner-up, earned $351,003 for her efforts. Semi-finalists Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini each collected $180,100 for their deep runs in the tournament.

Quarter-finalists Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Katerina Siniakova, and Laura Siegemund earned $83,250 apiece. Those reaching the round of 16, such as Ekaterina Alexandrova and Belinda Bencic, received $41,500. Mirra Andreeva and Naomi Osaka exited in the second round, taking home $23,450 each, while first-round participants earned $16,860.

Also Read: Alexander Zverev Sparks Rumors of Adding Toni Nadal to his Coaching Setup for the Australian Open

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