Aryna Sabalenka held firm under pressure and maintained her perfect start at the WTA Finals, defeating Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 on Tuesday to take command of the Steffi Graf group.

The world No. 1 weathered Pegula’s surge in the second set and delivered a composed finish in the decider, securing her second straight win at the season-ending championship.

Sabalenka survives Pegula fightback

Both players opened with heavy hitting from the baseline and traded service holds through tight early games. Sabalenka earned a key break for 5-2, and after Pegula saved a set point and pulled closer at 4-5, the Belarusian broke again to seal the first set.

Pegula responded with sharper returns and steadier play in the second, breaking twice and saving all four break points she faced to force a third set with a convincing 6-2 performance.

Sabalenka briefly trailed 1-2 in the final frame, but she surged ahead with four straight games and closed out the match 6-3, showing poise when Pegula attempted one last push.

The victory avenged Sabalenka’s loss to Pegula last October in Wuhan, where the American halted her 20-match streak at the event.

Gauff also stays strong in group play

Defending champion Coco Gauff kept pace in the group with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to remain firmly in semifinal contention.

Sabalenka praised Pegula afterward, saying the American “always pushes me to the limit,” and credited a more aggressive mindset for her strong finish.