Coco Gauff Defeats World No. 2 Sabalenka to Reach Dubai Tennis Championships Final

Rising American star Coco Gauff delivered a commanding performance to defeat world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2 in the Dubai Tennis Championships semifinal, booking her place in Saturday's final. The 19-year-old showed remarkable composure under pressure, overcoming an early deficit to dominate the Belarusian powerhouse in what many are calling her best victory of 2026.

Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, started aggressively and raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set behind her trademark powerful groundstrokes. The world No. 2 appeared to be in complete control, hitting 12 winners in the first six games while Gauff struggled to find her rhythm on the Dubai hard courts. However, the tide turned dramatically when Gauff began to neutralize Sabalenka's power with precise placement and improved court positioning.

The turning point came in the seventh game when Gauff saved three break points with clutch serving, including two aces down the T. That hold seemed to unlock something in the American's game, as she immediately broke Sabalenka's serve for the first time in the match. Gauff's defensive skills began to frustrate Sabalenka, who started making uncharacteristic errors as points extended beyond her comfort zone.

Gauff continued her momentum into the second set, breaking Sabalenka's serve twice in the opening four games to establish a commanding 4-1 advantage. The American's court coverage was exceptional, reaching seemingly impossible shots and turning defense into attack with her powerful forehand. Sabalenka's frustration grew evident as she accumulated 28 unforced errors compared to just 11 from Gauff.

The victory represents Gauff's biggest win since her US Open triumph in 2023 and demonstrates her continued growth as a complete player. Her ability to weather the early storm and adjust her tactics mid-match showcased the mental maturity that has made her one of tennis's most promising young talents. Gauff struck 19 winners while committing just 11 unforced errors in a near-flawless performance.

"I knew I had to stay patient and wait for my opportunities," Gauff said in her on-court interview. "Aryna is such a powerful player, but I felt like if I could extend the rallies and make her play extra shots, I could turn the match around." Gauff will face either world No. 1 Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina in Saturday's final as she seeks her first WTA 1000 title of the season.