Gauff Fights Her Way into French Open Semis
Wow, what a match! Coco Gauff is heading to the French Open semifinals after a nail-biting, error-strewn battle against fellow American Madison Keys. Honestly, it was one of those matches where you just couldn't take your eyes off the court, even though it felt like both players were wrestling with themselves as much as each other at times. The final score? 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1. But the scoreline only tells half the story.
A Rollercoaster First Set
The first set was a total rollercoaster. Keys started strong, jumping out to a 4-1 lead. Gauff was blasting away at the lines, but missing more than she was making. It looked like Keys was cruising. Then, something shifted. Gauff started playing a bit smarter, widening her margins, making Keys run a bit more. The errors started to pile up on Keys’ side of the net, and suddenly, Gauff was back in the game. It went to a tiebreak, and Keys, playing like the seasoned champ she is, edged it out. I have to admit, I was a little worried for Coco at that point.
Gauff's Comeback
The second set was a mirror image of the first, but in reverse. Gauff took an early lead, and despite some shaky moments, she managed to hold on to win. Honestly, there were points where I thought she was about to completely unravel, especially when Keys clawed back the double-break lead to level up at 4-4. But she dug deep, played some deft slices to break Keys’ serve, and ultimately won the set, taking the match into a deciding third set.
- Key Moments in Set Two: Gauff's resilience shone through despite a few near-meltdowns. Some incredible backhand slices changed the momentum.
A Dominant Third Set
The third set was all Gauff. She seemed to find another gear, moving better, serving more consistently, and hitting the lines with more accuracy. She broke Keys’ serve early, then again, opening up a commanding 4-1 lead. This time, that double-break seemed to be much more secure. Keys, it seemed, had run out of gas and energy.
- Gauff's statement on court: "I just knew I had to be able to run today and when the ball came short, punish her for it."
Gauff closed out the match with a flourish, finishing strong with some impressive forehands. It was a well-deserved victory for the rising star. Despite the errors, her determination was undeniable. She just kept battling and, importantly, outlasted Keys.
What's Next for Gauff?
Gauff will face either Mirra Andreeva or Lois Boisson in the semifinals. It’s a tough draw either way, but I think Gauff has shown, again, she's ready for whatever comes next. Regardless of the result, this performance was a testament to her incredible talent and mental fortitude. A true testament to what she is capable of.
How to Watch the Semifinals
For those in the US, you can catch the semifinals on TNT, truTV, Sling, DirecTV, or Max. Check your local listings for international broadcast details. Let's go Coco!
