Coco Gauff is out of the WTA Wuhan Open tennis tournament after a disappointing three-set semi-final loss on Saturday (October 12). Aryna Sabalenka6–1 4–6 4–6.

The American player looked on course for a big win in Wuhan after dominating the opening set against top seed Sabalenka, who could not find her rhythm as Gauff ran riot on the court and converted her chances. But fourth-seeded Gauff failed to make good on her lead, mainly due to unforced errors.

Gauff, who last faced Sabalenka in January in the Australian Open semi-final which also culminated in defeat, made 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 final two sets and converted six as Gauff’s play let her down.

Gauff’s number of double faults alone – 21 in total – was a disappointing story for the American athlete, who now sees her career drop to a level of 4-4 against Sabalenka. At the same time, the two semi-finals under her new coaching team (after not reaching a final on tour since January) also suggest that Gauff is doing well.

World number 2 Sabalenka is guaranteed a Chinese home opponent in the final, with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen And Wang Xinyu participate in the second semi-final of the evening.