WUHAN - Jessica Pegula battled from a set down and saved multiple match points to stun top seed Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) on Saturday, advancing to the final of the Wuhan Open and ending the Belarusian's 20-match winning streak at the tournament.

In Sunday's final, Pegula will face compatriot Coco Gauff, who earlier eased past Italy's Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3.

Sabalenka appeared in full control early on, overpowering Pegula with her trademark baseline aggression to claim the opening set 6-2. Pegula regrouped in the second, breaking at a crucial moment to level the match.

The decider looked to be going Sabalenka's way when she surged to a 5-2 lead, but Pegula mounted a remarkable comeback, winning four straight games to move ahead 6-5. Sabalenka forced a tiebreak, only for Pegula to dominate it 7-2 and seal victory after more than two hours of intense exchanges.

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"I don't like to give away my secrets," Pegula said in the press conference. "But I'm constantly thinking about her patterns - what she likes to do on big points, where she wants to serve, when she tries to change direction. I feel like I'm off the court, I know where she likes to slice or drop shot," said Pegula, adding that she did her best to take Sabalenka out of her rhythm.

Sabalenka, who had not lost in Wuhan since her title-winning debut in 2018, praised Pegula's performance despite her disappointment.

"Obviously it's disappointing to lose tonight, but Jessica played some great tennis," Sabalenka said. "It was a great battle. She was aggressive in the key moments and I wish her good luck for the final.

"Wuhan will always be a special place for me," she added. "Not just because of my winning streak and titles but also because of the support of the fans. They always make me feel special regardless of what happens on court. I can't wait to come back next year. I always feel so welcome here."