World number two Iga Swiatek ended US Open champion Coco Gauff’s 16-match winning run with victory in the semi-finals of the China Open.
The Pole won 6-2 6-3 and will face either Elena Rybakina or Liudmila Samsonova in Sunday’s final in Beijing.
Swiatek dominated the opening set from the start and did not face a break point in it.
She maintained the momentum in the second set as Gauff required treatment on a shoulder injury.
The win sends Swiatek into her third WTA 1000 final of the season and her seventh final of the year.
Gauff had beaten her rival for the first time in eight meetings in the semi-finals in Cincinnati earlier this summer during her winning streak – the longest of her career so far – but never looked like repeating the feat.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” said Swiatek. “It feels like I can play freely again, so I’m really happy. It’s been a while since I felt that way.
“So I’ll remember for the rest of my career that even though tougher times may come, in your mind, you can always overcome that. And with hard work, you can achieve it.
“I’m happy that I switched my attitude after the US Open, and hopefully I’ll be able to keep it for as long as possible.”
