In a dramatic encounter at the US Open, Coco Gauff clawed back from a set down to defeat Mirra Andreeva 2-6 7-6(9-7) 6-2, saving two match points in the process.
The match opened with a 26‑minute first set that saw Gauff blown away, but she refused to capitulate. In the second set she was twice pegged back from a break‑up before fighting through a 16‑point tie‑break to force a decisive third set.
Roared on by a partisan crowd, the American’s resilience proved decisive in what became a mental battle. She cited the inspiration of compatriot Frances Tiafoe’s comeback win over Alex Michelsen as a motivating factor.
With the victory, Gauff enters the semi‑finals for the second consecutive Grand Slam, her first in New York since winning the 2023 title. It is the first time the top four seeds have reached the women’s singles semi‑finals of a major since Wimbledon 2009, after Sabalenka and Pegula progressed earlier in the tournament.
Second seed Elena Rybakina, who recovered from a set loss and a break‑point deficit in her earlier match, will face Gauff. Rybakina is set to become the world’s first‑ranked player for the first time in her career by reaching the semi‑finals.
