RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Defending champion Coco Gauff revived her chances of reaching the WTA Finals with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jasmine Paolini on Tuesday.
Gauff also improved her serve, committing just three double faults, far fewer than the 17 she recorded in her first match, a three-set loss to Jessica Pegula.
“We definitely turned it around from the first game,” Gauff said. “The great thing about this tournament is that you get another chance to prove yourself.”
Gauff will next face top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka for a spot in the season finale of the top eight players, but Paolini was eliminated from contention with two losses.
Sabalenka beat Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to take first place in her group.
Paolini also competed in doubles with partner Sara Errani at the tournament.
“I don’t think Jasmine was 100% today,” Gauff said. “It’s not easy to play both singles and doubles.”