Coco Gauff holds nerve in Rome tie-break to defeat Mirra Andreeva and advance to semis

Coco Gauff secured a notable victory against Mirra Andreeva 6-4, 7-6 (4) and became the first semifinalist of the Rome Open. The world No. 3 came out on top of a tight match and returns to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event. Seeking a spot in the final, she awaits the winner between Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen.

First Set

A very even first set, with both players defending their service games without conceding break point opportunities to their opponent. However, the tension increased towards the end, as Andreeva's first serve began to falter. Gauff took advantage of her first chance and went ahead 5-3 with the opportunity to take the set on her serve.

However, the Russian teenager reacted, breaking back and holding serve to level the score. Nevertheless, the tension seemed to get to her, and Gauff secured her second consecutive break, closing out the set 6-4. The American was more effective than her opponent on first serve, winning 80% compared to only 46% for Andreeva.

Second Set

In the second set, Gauff again built on her momentum, securing her third consecutive break – this time to love – against an Andreeva who was on the brink. However, the 18-year-old fought to the end, securing two consecutive breaks and for the first time in the match went ahead 3-2. Her lead was short-lived, as Gauff broke back immediately, in a set where both players had two breaks each by the 3-3 mark.

Things stabilized on serve towards the end, with both players holding serve with confidence. Everything went to a tie-break, where Gauff managed an early advantage to eventually secure the victory 6-4, 7-6(5).

Match Statistics Gauff vs. Andreeva