Coco Gauff Advances to Rome Semifinals with Tiebreak Victory

ROME, Italy — Coco Gauff secured her spot in the semifinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia after a tense tiebreak against Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday. The match ended with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (5), marking Gauff’s fourth consecutive victory over the rising star.

At just 21 years old, Gauff has established herself as a prominent figure in women’s tennis, currently holding an impressive 11-1 record against younger players. “Honestly I don’t think about the head-to-head so much,” Gauff said post-match. “I treat each match like a new match and expect her to be better than the last time we played.”

In the next round, Gauff will face No. 8 Zheng Qinwen, who recently defeated Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. Meanwhile, the other semifinal features Jasmine Paolini and Peyton Stearns. Gauff expressed optimism about her performance, stating, “I feel I have a lot to improve on, too.”

Gauff’s journey in Rome has been remarkable, making her the youngest player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to reach three semifinals. Overall, Gauff is the fifth youngest in the Open Era to achieve this milestone, behind tennis legends like Monica Seles and Chris Evert. With a record of nine wins in her last ten matches, Gauff is aiming for her first tournament victory of 2025.

The match showcased Gauff’s resilience, especially during the dramatic tiebreak. After taking a lead with a superb slice forehand, Andreeva fought back with a remarkable drop shot. However, Gauff’s solid defense ultimately secured her victory when Andreeva hit two backhands out, ensuring her place in the semifinals.

Andreeva, ranked No. 6, has shown significant promise, winning titles in Dubai and Indian Wells earlier this year. Despite this loss, she demonstrated her ability to challenge top players, but Gauff’s experience and skill on the court proved pivotal.

As Gauff prepares for her next match, she reflects on her growth as a player and her determination to keep improving. “Today some points weren’t my best, but I still managed to be successful,” she concluded.