Coco Gauff is out of the WTA Wuhan Open tennis tournament after a disappointing three-set semi-final loss on Saturday (12 October) to Aryna Sabalenka, 6–1 4–6 4–6.

The USA player appeared on course for a big victory in Wuhan after dominating the opening set against top seed Sabalenka, who could not find her rhythm as Gauff ran riot on court converting her opportunities. But fourth-seeded Gauff failed to make good on her lead, mostly due to unforced errors.

Gauff, who last faced Sabalenka in the Australian Open semi-finals in January which also culminated in defeat, commited nine double faults in each of the second and third sets as Sabalenka enjoyed her reprieve.

The top seed saved seven break points from 11 chances in the last two sets and converted six of her own as Gauff’s game deserted her.

The sheer number of Gauff’s double faults – 21 in all – told a disappointing story for the US athlete, who now sees her career head-to-head against Sabalenka slip to level at 4–4. At the same time, two semi-final finishes under her new coaching team – having not reached a final on tour since January – also suggests things are looking up for Gauff.

World No.2 Sabalenka is guaranteed a home Chinese opponent in the final, with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu contesting the evening’s second semi-final.