NEW YORK (AP) – Coco Gauff showed resilience on Tuesday at the US Open, rallying from a precarious position to secure a place in the semifinals. After surviving a match point in a tense tiebreak, Gauff defeated Russia’s Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, earning a showdown with the tournament’s new women’s No. 1, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
Gauff’s comeback
Gauff, the No. 4 seed, fell behind early, losing the first set 2-6 in just 26 minutes. Andreeva, fresh off a French Open title, surged ahead with a dominant start. Yet Gauff regrouped during the break, recalling the determination of fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who rallied from two sets down in his quarterfinal earlier that day.
“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,” Gauff said after the match. “That’s all I can do.”
In the second set, Gauff fought back, winning a 39‑shot rally to take a 5‑3 lead in the tiebreak. Andreeva saved three points to earn her first match point, but a forehand error gave Gauff the chance to erase it. Gauff then held serve to close the tiebreak 7‑5 and carried the momentum into the third set, where she broke early and never looked back.
Rybakina’s rise
Elena Rybakina entered the tournament as the new world No. 1 after edging Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 earlier on Wednesday. The 27‑year‑old Kazakh has been on a meteoric climb, and her victory over Zheng secured the top ranking regardless of the tournament’s outcome.
“It’s just a number right now and of course I’m in the semis so my goal is to win the tournament,” Rybakina said. “It’s an amazing achievement but you know how quick everything can change in tennis, ranking‑wise, during the match, so I feel like I just need to focus on my game, try to recover and enjoy tomorrow.”
Rybakina’s path to the semifinals was not without challenges. She struggled with the sun and shadows in Arthur Ashe Stadium early in her match, allowing Zheng a brief break of serve. However, Rybakina rebounded, taking the second set in just 38 minutes and sealing the win.
Historical context
This tournament marks the first time since 1975 that all four women’s top seeds have reached the US Open semifinals, underscoring the depth of talent in the women’s game. The other semifinal features top‑ranked Aryna Sabalenka against No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula, with Sabalenka’s 99‑week reign at No. 1 set to end when the new rankings are released Monday.
What’s next
Gauff’s semifinal against Rybakina promises a clash of contrasting styles: Gauff’s aggressive baseline play versus Rybakina’s powerful serve and groundstrokes. Both athletes have demonstrated the mental fortitude to overcome early setbacks, and their match will likely be a showcase of perseverance and skill.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Ben Shelton concluded his quarterfinal victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in US Open history, and will face Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. American hopes remain high as Shelton and fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe are set to meet in an all‑American semifinal.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling Friday as the semifinals determine who will compete for the coveted US Open title.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
