Coco Gauff advanced to the US Open women’s semifinals on Wednesday after mounting a dramatic comeback against Mirra Andreeva at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The 22-year-old American, ranked fourth in the world and a two-time Grand Slam champion, recovered from a set down and saved two match points in a tense second-set tiebreak to defeat the reigning French Open champion 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2.
Gauff began the match struggling with her serve, committing 12 double faults and 42 unforced errors, mostly from her forehand. She dropped the opening set in 26 minutes and found herself on the brink of defeat during the close tiebreak. However, she remained resolute to avoid losing the second set and gradually regained control, building confidence that carried into the third set where she dominated.
Reflecting on her turnaround, Gauff credited the comeback of fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who had dramatically rallied from two sets down to reach the men’s semifinals a day earlier, as a source of inspiration. “Sometimes you just need a little bit of inspiration, and Frances was that for me in that moment,” she said.
Gauff also highlighted the importance of self-belief as a factor in her persistence. Despite moments when her game faltered, she emphasized “just believing is all I can do,” noting that even if it seems “delusional,” repeated success in difficult moments reinforces that mindset.
The victory extended Gauff’s winning streak to 10 matches and marked her return to the US Open semifinals, a stage she had first reached three years prior. She now faces second-seeded Elena Rybakina in Thursday’s semifinal. Rybakina secured her spot by overcoming Chinese qualifier Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, and is set to become the world number one following the tournament.
Gauff acknowledged the challenge ahead, anticipating a tough contest against Rybakina’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. “I know I’m going to have some aces hit on me and some winners hit on me, but I’m going to keep fighting and give it my all,” she said.
The progress of Gauff, alongside Tiafoe and fellow American Ben Shelton—who reached the men’s semifinals after an upset over Carlos Alcaraz—has drawn attention as a significant moment for Black tennis players at the US Open. Gauff expressed excitement at the prospect of competing among this group at such a historic venue named after Arthur Ashe, a pioneering Black tennis player of the 1960s.
With a place in the US Open final on the line, Gauff’s resilience and recent form will be tested against Rybakina in one of the tournament’s key semifinal clashes.