The WTA year-end No. 1 is likely decided. Aryna Sabalenka nearly has that ranking clinched, and she currently sits about 1,600 points clear of WTA No. 2 Iga Swiatek. The real battle for the year-end rankings could be between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.
Gauff inched closer to Swiatek by defeating Jessica Pegula at the Wuhan Open on Sunday in straight sets 6-4 7-5. What made the victory somewhat stunning was that Pegula was playing well in the second set and led 5-3. She wouldn't win another game, though.
By taking the Wuhan title, Gauff became only the second American to do so. Venus Williams in 2015 was the first.
Coco Gauff defeats Jessica Pegula to win the Wuhan Open
While Swiatek still has nearly a 900-point lead in the WTA rankings over Gauff, the WTA Finals remain. The American has a chance to overtake the Pole, but would have to catch a few breaks.
Even in defeat, Pegula was one of the big winners from the Wuhan Open. She moved up a spot to No. 5 with her run to the final. In the semifinals, she shocked the tennis world by defeating Sabalenka, who had never lost in Wuhan in 20 matches before falling to Pegula in the semifinals.
American players now make up four of the top seven spots on the WTA tour, including three of the top five. It is a very good time to be a fan of American tennis, both on the women's side and the men's. One might wish Coco Gauff were a bit more consistent, though.
She obviously is one of the most talented players on tour, but the Wuhan Open title was only her second of the year. She also won the French Open. While Aryna Sabalenka is ridiculously consistent in making runs deep in tournaments, Gauff needs to copy the Belarusians trend but have a better record in finals.
Gauff is capable of getting to WTA No. 1, just as she is capable of winning more than two titles in a year. Perhaps 2026 will be special for her. For now, she might focus on chasing down Iga Swiatek for No. 2.