Miami Open: Coco Gauff reaches first semi-finals as Sinner progresses

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(Photo by TIMOTHY A.CLARY / AFP)

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By Enitan Abdultawab

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Coco Gauff advanced to the semi-finals of the Miami Open for the first time after overcoming a resilient challenge from Belinda Bencic in a three-set encounter.

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The world number four recovered from a difficult second set to seal a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory, holding her composure late in the match to secure her place in the last four.

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Reflecting on the performance, Gauff said, “It was a tough match. It took a lot of running, some falls, but I’m really proud of how I fought. I think that’s been a theme of the week.”

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She added that her composure under pressure stood out most: “how I was able to hold my nerve” during key moments of the contest.

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The win also places Gauff in the record books, as she becomes the youngest American to reach the tournament’s semi-finals since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2004.

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Next, Gauff will face Karolina Muchova, who progressed after defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 7-5, 7-6 (7-5). Gauff holds a perfect record in their previous meetings and will aim to extend that dominance in the semi-final clash.

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A place in the final could also have ranking implications, with the American set to move up to third in the WTA standings if she progresses further, overtaking Iga Swiatek.

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Elsewhere in the draw, Elena Rybakina booked her quarter-final spot with a straight-sets win over Talia Gibson, setting up a meeting with Jessica Pegula. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is also through and will face Hailey Baptiste in another quarter-final tie.

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In the men’s category, Jannik Sinner will square up against Francis Tiafoe, Tommy Paul will slug it out against Arthur Fils while Alexander Zverez will battle Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals.

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