At the U.S. Open on Wednesday, Coco Gauff faced significant challenges as she pursued her third Grand Slam title and a second victory at the tournament. Gauff encountered difficulties as Mirra Andreeva, the 19-year-old French Open champion, took control in the first set. Gauff struggled with her serve and forehand, two areas she has been working on for the past year. Andreeva capitalized on Gauff’s mistakes, leading 4-0 after 12 minutes and winning the first set 6-2.
However, the match dynamics shifted in the second set. Gauff managed to overcome her struggles, while Andreeva started making errors. The intense second set ended in a tiebreak. Gauff faced two match points but defended them successfully. Andreeva’s lob error and another mistake gave Gauff the chance to win the tiebreak. Once Gauff evened the match at one set each, her momentum increased as she found her rhythm.
In the third set, Gauff’s confidence grew. She returned a topspin lob deep into Andreeva’s court, causing frustration for her opponent. Andreeva’s errors continued, including a racket throw that almost hit a worker. Gauff maintained her composure and secured a 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 victory, energizing the home crowd who had been anxious during the match.
Gauff will face Elena Rybakina, the new world No. 1, in the semifinals. After her win, Gauff said it was a moment she dreamed of. She drew motivation from Frances Tiafoe’s comeback the previous day. Tiafoe, despite early setbacks, secured his semifinal spot in similar fashion. Gauff’s resilience shone through as she continued to fight, refusing to give up.
In the first set, Gauff hit 14 errors against three winners, with a first serve landing rate of only 43 percent. As the match progressed, she sharpened her game. The crowd finally saw glimpses of her potential. Andreeva’s errors mirrored Gauff’s early mistakes. They both used Western grips on forehands, creating extended rallies and a tentative game.
Despite initial struggles, Gauff’s determination paid off. Her opponent’s mounting errors gave her the upper hand. Gauff said her perseverance has become a strength, enabling her to vie for the match despite early poor form. She didn’t let her challenges derail her path to victory.
In the final set, Gauff landed 71 percent of her first serves and committed no double faults. Her serve emerged as a key weapon, helping her secure five winners and only two unforced errors. This performance will be critical as Gauff prepares to face a strong Rybakina in the semifinals. Gauff is determined to bring her best game, relying on her resilience and skill to succeed.