Four Three-Setters, One Gritty Gauff: American Reaches First Miami Semifinal

Coco Gauff is a smooth mover and an athletic phenom. But it’s her grit that defines her.

And that grit has been on full display in Miami this week, as the 22-year-old has reeled off four consecutive three-set victories to reach her first semifinal at the event.

Gauff, who had to withdraw from her round-of-16 match against Alexandra Eala in Indian Wells due to an arm injury, has worked hard to get back on court for the biggest event in her home state—one she holds dear.

And she has made the most of the opportunity, reaching the last four at the event for the first time to become the youngest American to achieve the feat since seven-time champion Serena Williams in 2004.

Gauff earned a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over Belinda Bencic to set up a semifinal clash with Karolina Muchova. The Czech defeated Victoria Mboko on Tuesday, 7-5, 7-6(5). Gauff owns a 5-0 lifetime record against Muchova.

“It was a tough match. Belinda is a tough player, and every time we play it’s a long match—it took a lot of running today and some falls, but I’m really proud of how I fought,” Gauff said. “I think that’s been a theme of the week.”

Gauff was in control early but lost momentum in the second set as Bencic broke her twice and won the final three games to force a decider.

The American was broken again for 3-2 in the third, but—true to form—didn’t drop another game the rest of the way, breaking the Swiss twice before serving out the victory in two hours and 15 minutes.

“Today she raised her level and I was able to raise mine in the third,” Gauff said.

Gauff struck 32 winners to Bencic’s 14 and won 76 percent of her first-serve points.

She said she was most proud of how she closed out the match, firing an ace at 30-all at 5-3 before landing a strong second serve on match point.

“I think how I was able to hold my nerve—as the match got longer, I was able to serve better,” Gauff said. “That ace at 30-all shows the improvement, just trusting myself, and making the second serve on match point—I think there are a lot of things to be proud of today.”