Gauff beats Andreeva to reach US Open semifinals in comeback win

Coco Gauff overturned an early deficit to beat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 and advance to the US Open semi-finals. After losing the opening set and facing two match points in the second, the 2023 champion steadied herself and closed out the match with a forehand winner, visibly relieved as she dropped her racket to the court.

Andreeva dominated the early proceedings at Arthur Ashe Stadium, racing through the first four games and committing just five unforced errors in the opening set compared with 14 from Gauff. Gauff took a break in the locker room between sets and said she drew inspiration from fellow American Frances Tiafoe’s comeback on the men’s side as she tried to reset her game.

Gauff began to find traction in the second set and was serving for the match in the ninth game, but three double faults allowed Andreeva to break back. Gauff then produced key moments — including a 39-shot rally won with a backhand — and twice saved match points before forcing the decider with a sharp forehand to the corner.

Once the third set opened, Gauff maintained the momentum. Andreeva reacted in frustration after dropping serve, and Gauff delivered a decisive break to love in the seventh game that put the match beyond reach. Gauff now faces second seed Elena Rybakina in the semis; Rybakina rose to world number one earlier in the day after defeating Zheng Qinwen. The pair are level at one win each in their head-to-head, with Rybakina taking their most recent meeting in a Toronto semi-final last month.