American Coco Gauff produced a stunning recovery on Wednesday night, surviving two match points to defeat fifth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 and secure a place in the US Open semifinals. The 2023 champion, who appeared out of sorts in the opening set, rallied to claim the victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Andreeva dominated the early stages of the contest, sprinting through the first four games and preventing Gauff from generating break-point opportunities. The Russian committed just five unforced errors compared to 14 from her opponent as she took the opening set comfortably. However, Gauff found momentum in the second set, reaching match point in the ninth game before three double faults allowed Andreeva to break back.
Despite serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Gauff refused to fold. She saved two critical match points, including a dramatic 39-shot rally concluded with a precise backhand, before forcing a deciding set with a forehand winner down the line. Inspired by compatriot Frances Tiafoe’s comeback on the men’s side the previous night, Gauff cited his resilience as motivation during her locker room break between sets.
The momentum shifted decisively in the third set. Andreeva, frustrated by the turning tide, threw her racket at her bench after losing serve in the third game. Gauff broke serve again in the seventh game to close out the match, dropping her racket in celebration.
Gauff will now face world number one Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. The Kazakh seed reclaimed the top ranking earlier in the day with a victory over Zheng Qinwen. The two players hold a 1-1 head-to-head record, with Rybakina winning their most recent meeting at the Toronto semi-finals last month.
“Elena is the new world number one, so it’s going to be a tough match,” Gauff said. “I’m looking forward to the battle. These are the moments you live for.”
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