Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka have been two dominating players in the ongoing WTA Finals. Both of them began their campaigns on a winning note. They kept their momentum in their next respective clashes as well. But, the winning streak recently came to an end after Gauff lost to Barbora Krejcikova and Sabalenka got outplayed by Elena Rybakina. What’s interesting to note is that Gauff and Sabalenka are now set to face each other in an anticipated semifinal today.

Ahead of their epic clash, a former WTA pro has shared an honest, yet amusing, take on the players’ journey in the event so far. Especially given the fact that both of them will enter in the SF after conceding a defeat in their last encounter. While talking on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, former American player Tracy Austin recently reacted on Coco and Sabalenka’s stints at the WTA Finals. Commenting on their upcoming SF clash, she said that it’s going to be “a surprising day”.

Tracy threw light on both of them showcasing exceptional skills leading into the semifinal. “I thought Sabalenka and Coco were playing the best coming into today” but then “they both lost their last match.” While Coco lost to Krejcikova in straight sets (7-5, 6-4), the Belarusian had to bow down against Rybakina who took the match with a score of  6-4, 3-6, 6-1. “So that’s what we love about the round robin. So many surprises. It doesn’t come down to just matches. It comes down to sets. Tiebreaker was that set. So it’s really a lot of fun”, according to Tracy. She implied that on a given day, anyone can beat anyone, irrespective of reputation and form. That’s what everyone saw in the case of Coco and Aryna who previously seemed indomitable until they lost.

But what’s gone is gone and one has to always look forward. That’s what both the players will try to do, considering that they are going to take on each other on Friday in what can be called a clash of two potential title contenders!

Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka: Who will have the last laugh?

Speaking of their head-to-head history so far, it’s pretty interesting to say the least. Why? Simply because both of them have played each other eight times and the score is even as of now, at 4-4. Which means things can go either way when these two face each other in the third match. However, their last encounter saw Sabalenka having an edge over Coco. During the Wuhan Open this year, the World No.1 came back strongly against the American tennis star. Despite trailing in the first set, Aryna managed to clinch the match 1-6. 6-4, 6-4.

If one has to make a prediction based on their current form, Sabalenka seems to be a clear favorite. She’s been very consistent this season while also winning multiple titles, including two Grand Slam trophies. On the other hand, Coco hasn’t had the best of seasons in 2024. Apart from winning the China Open title, she has failed to shine on most of the occasions. In many events like the Cincinnati Masters, US Open, and the Wuhan Open, she was ousted in the early stages.

But then again, tennis is a sport where things can change any time. Still, Aryna Sabalenka seems to be the one who may advance to the final. Last year, she couldn’t make it happen as Iga thrashed her hopes in the semifinal, winning in straight sets. Will the Belarusian manage to clear the SF hurdle today against Coco Gauff? Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments.