Fresh off dispatching Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to reach the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Jessica Pegula faces in-form Elena Rybakina in a bid to advance to Saturday’s final.

The American No. 3’s win over Paolini was her 53rd of the season, emulating Serena Williams for most victories in a season after turning 30, and she aims to secure one more to earn a place in another title match, two years after her loss in Cancun.

Match preview

Pegula entered Thursday aware that several scenarios could have unfolded in the Steffi Graf Group; ultimately, the 31-year-old secured a 6-2, 6-3 victory to defeat the Italian No. 1.

Aryna Sabalenka’s straight-sets triumph over Coco Gauff in the latter match in the group guaranteed the American No. 3’s progression to Friday’s semi-finals in Saudi Arabi

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