US Open 2026: Gauff saves match points to reach semis
Coco Gauff overcomes Mirra Andreeva after saving two match points to book a US Open semi-final against incoming world number one Elena Rybakina.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Fourth seed Coco Gauff beat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2 at the US Open
- Gauff saved two match points and triumphed in a 16-point tie-break in the second set
- Elena Rybakina secured the world number one ranking for the first time in her career
- Zheng Qinwen exited in the quarter-finals following a three-set defeat to Rybakina
The US Open witnessed a dramatic tennis showdown as fourth seed Coco Gauff fought back from a set down to defeat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2, setting up a semi-final clash against Elena Rybakina.
Gauff endured a difficult start, dropping the opening set in just 26 minutes and accumulating 42 unforced errors alongside 12 double faults. However, the American showed immense resilience to save two crucial match points in the second set, win a tense 16-point tie-break, and completely dominate the deciding set.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"At the end of the first set I was thinking about Frances and how he came back yesterday. We all want to do well in front of this crowd. Honestly, I was just trying to leave the court with no regrets."
Reflecting on her performance, the American revealed that her comeback was inspired by compatriot Frances Tiafoe's victory over Alex Michelsen. This victory marks back-to-back Grand Slam semi-finals for Gauff and her first in New York since lifting the trophy in 2023.
Gauff's turnaround highlights the crucial role of mental fortitude in elite sports. Overcoming early nerves and heavy unforced error counts by drawing inspiration from a peer demonstrates how psychological framing can rescue a seemingly lost match.
Meanwhile, second seed Elena Rybakina recovered from losing the first set to defeat Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The victory guaranteed that the 27-year-old overtakes Aryna Sabalenka to claim the world number one ranking for the first time, making her the first player representing Kazakhstan to achieve the milestone.
Despite the defeat, Zheng Qinwen's run to the quarter-finals marked a remarkable resurgence following elbow surgery in July 2025, which saw her ranking plummet outside the top 100 before climbing back to 52nd in the live rankings.
Source: BBC Sport
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