NEW YORK — Coco Gauff is moving on at the U.S. Open after delivering a dramatic comeback when her tournament run appeared to be in serious danger.
The 22-year-old American defeated No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 in Wednesday’s quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Gauff saved two match points during the second-set tiebreak before taking control of the deciding set.
Gauff Battles Back After Rough Start
The match couldn’t have started much worse for Gauff. Andreeva raced through the opening set in just 26 minutes, while Gauff struggled to find consistency with her forehand and serve.
Instead of allowing the early mistakes to end her run, Gauff regrouped and gradually worked her way back into the match. The second set became a battle, eventually reaching a tiebreak where Andreeva twice moved within one point of victory.
Gauff refused to go away. She survived both match points, captured the tiebreak and carried that momentum into the third set.
The American later said her focus was simply on continuing to fight and leaving the court without regrets. She also credited fellow American Frances Tiafoe’s comeback earlier in the tournament as inspiration while she was trying to turn her own match around.
Another Shot at the U.S. Open Crown
The victory sends Gauff into the U.S. Open semifinals for the second time in her career and marks her first appearance in the tournament’s final four since winning the championship in 2023.
Her next challenge will be Elena Rybakina, who defeated Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in her quarterfinal. Rybakina is also set to become the new world No. 1 when the updated rankings are released.
With another U.S. Open championship now just two victories away, Gauff will have an opportunity to add another major title to her résumé after producing one of the most resilient performances of this year’s tournament.
(Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)
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