Coco Gauff, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, can finally breathe easy.
Rome:
Scores |
Draws |
Order of play
After nearly squandering a 5-1, two-break lead in the third set against No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva, Gauff triumphed with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, moving into the semifinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for the fourth time in her career.
The 2025 Rome finalist is set to face Sorana Cirstea for a chance to reach the 2026 finals. This upcoming match will mark their third encounter this season, and Gauff holds an impressive 5-0 record against Andreeva, having eliminated her in the quarterfinals of Rome for the second consecutive year, aligning with their last meeting in 2025.
“I felt I performed well, particularly with my forehand and returning,” Gauff mentioned in a press conference. “I wish I could have wrapped it up sooner in the third set; she definitely elevated her game. I created opportunities to win almost every game.”
Gauff advances to her 15th WTA 1000-level semifinal, her third in 2026, after competing in Dubai and Miami. Remarkably, she is only the second player in the Open Era to achieve three or more comeback victories to reach this stage at the Internazionali d’Italia, following Nathalie Tauziat’s achievement in 1989.
Match Summary:
First Set: Throughout the match, Gauff frequently concluded rallies at the net, engaging in rapid volley exchanges. At times, she was lured to the net by Andreeva’s clever drop shots—the highlight being Andreeva’s exquisite drop shot that helped her secure a 3-1 lead. In a closely contested first set, Andreeva ended with 10 winners and seven unforced errors, while Gauff had the opposite stats.
Second Set: A defining moment came when Gauff saved a break point at the net and turned it into a game point, clinching it with an ace. She surged to a 3-0 lead and kept her momentum, remaining predominantly at the baseline and achieving eight winners in the set. Andreeva became increasingly frustrated, resulting in 11 unforced errors as Gauff forced a decisive third set.
Third Set: Gauff initially looked poised for an easy win, establishing a 5-1 lead with a double break. However, Andreeva’s errors and Gauff’s quick speed contributed to a tense moment as the latter found herself needing five match points to secure her victory. Gauff’s relief was palpable as Andreeva’s backhand missed the mark, solidifying Gauff’s win despite Andreeva’s opportunities in the final set.
