Coco Gauff Stages Incredible Comeback to Beat Marta Kostyuk at WTA Finals

Posted : 13 November 2026

Coco Gauff produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Marta Kostyuk in straight sets at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California, on Thursday, keeping her hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.

The American secured a 6-4, 7-5 victory in a hard-fought round-robin encounter, overcoming a significant second-set deficit to complete an impressive turnaround. Despite the win, the world number four still needed a favourable result in the remaining Group 1 match to secure qualification for the last four.

Gauff demonstrated determination throughout the contest, particularly after finding herself trailing 5-1 in the second set. With the match seemingly heading towards a deciding set, the American saved three set points before launching an extraordinary run of six consecutive games to seal victory.

The opening set had also presented challenges for Gauff. After losing her serve in the first game, she recovered by breaking Kostyuk twice to establish a 4-2 advantage before moving within a game of taking the set at 5-2.

Kostyuk briefly fought back after receiving medical treatment for an issue with her right wrist. The Ukrainian returned to the court with her wrist strapped, held serve and broke Gauff while the American was attempting to close out the set.

However, Gauff regained control and eventually secured the opening set 6-4.

The second set proved even more demanding as Kostyuk took advantage of Gauff's serving difficulties to race into a 3-0 lead before extending her advantage to 5-1. Gauff also required medical attention for back tightness, raising further questions about her ability to complete the match.

Despite recording nine double faults, the American refused to give up. She gradually improved her play, taking advantage of Kostyuk's errors and putting pressure on the Ukrainian's serve.

Gauff eventually levelled the set at 5-5 before holding serve to move ahead 6-5. She then broke Kostyuk once more to complete the 7-5 victory after one hour and 39 minutes.

Reflecting on her comeback, Gauff admitted that she had already begun preparing herself for a deciding set when she was trailing 5-1. However, gaining momentum after reducing the deficit to 5-4 convinced her that victory was still possible.

The result initially kept Gauff's semi-final hopes alive, but her qualification depended on the outcome of the remaining Group 1 encounter between compatriot Jessica Pegula and Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

Pegula eventually defeated Noskova 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-5, securing the second semi-final position in the group and eliminating Gauff from the competition. Noskova topped the group, while Pegula advanced alongside her.

Gauff therefore finished her WTA Finals campaign with two victories and one defeat, while Kostyuk ended the tournament without a win in her three round-robin matches.

Coco Gauff Stages Incredible Comeback to Beat Marta Kostyuk at WTA Finals

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