Since the tournament started, Coco Gauff has looked determined to reclaim what she believes is hers. The 2023 US Open champion has been playing some of her best tennis, putting on an outstanding performance to secure her place in the semi-finals.
Gauff battled past Mirra Andreeva 2–6, 7–6(7), 6–2 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
In the first set, Andreeva played very well and looked calm and confident, while Gauff struggled with her serve and made several mistakes. Andreeva won the first set 6–2. In the second set, Gauff fought much harder, although her serve was still not at its best and she hit many double faults.
The set became very tense, with both players fighting for every point. Gauff saved two match points in the tie-break before winning it 9–7, showing great courage and belief.
In the final set, Gauff grew stronger and more confident, while Andreeva looked more frustrated. Gauff used her powerful shots and strong fighting spirit to take control and win the set 6–2.
Addressing the media and thousands of tennis fans at the stadium, Gauff said, I just had to reset. I came out at the start, not feeling the ball, giving her too many free points.
“Mirra was playing a great level, but when I went to the restroom after the first set, honestly I was thinking about Frances Tiafoe and how he came back yesterday.
“We all want to do well in front of this crowd. I was trying to leave the court with no regrets, I didn’t know what outcome would come. You guys really helped pull me through.”
Gauff’s next opponent is world No. 1 Elena Rybakina. The pair have faced each other twice, sharing a 1–1 head-to-head record. Their first meeting was at the 2022 Canadian Open in Toronto, with Gauff edging Rybakina in a thrilling three-set battle, 6–4, 6–7(8), 7–6(3). Three years later, they met again this year at the 2026 Canadian Open, this time Rybakina fought back to claim a 5–7, 6–2, 6–2 win.
