The 22-year-old American saves match points against Mirra Andreeva, setting up a showdown with new world No. 1 Elena Rybakina
Category: Sports
In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the 2026 US Open, Coco Gauff fought back from a set down to defeat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 on September 9, 2026. The 22-year-old American, seeded fourth and the reigning champion, saved two match points in a tense second-set tiebreak, demonstrating remarkable resilience on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match marked Gauff’s return to the semifinals for the second time, following her victory in 2023. It also showcased her ability to battle through adversity, as she faced a formidable opponent in the 19-year-old Andreeva, who had previously won the French Open. Gauff’s comeback was a personal victory and a moment of pride for American tennis, as it secured a spot in the semifinals for four American players.
Gauff's match started poorly; she struggled with her serve and shot consistency, allowing Andreeva to seize control early. The Russian quickly built a commanding 4-0 lead, taking the first set 6-2 in just 26 minutes. Gauff, visibly frustrated, took a bathroom break after the first set to regroup. "I just had to reset. I came out not feeling the ball, giving her too many free points," Gauff said, acknowledging the challenge posed by her opponent.
As the match progressed, Gauff found her footing. She drew inspiration from fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who had staged a remarkable comeback in his own quarterfinal match the previous day. "Honestly, I was just trying to literally leave the court with no regrets," Gauff stated, emphasizing her determination to fight for every point.
The second set saw both players struggle with unforced errors, but Gauff managed to level the match in a dramatic tiebreak. She won a 39-shot rally to take a 5-3 lead, but Andreeva fought back, earning two match points. Gauff saved both, with Andreeva sending a forehand long on the first and hitting a return into the net on the second. Gauff capitalized on Andreeva's unraveling, winning the tiebreak 9-7.
In the decisive third set, Gauff took control, breaking Andreeva early and maintaining her lead to close out the match. She finished with a total of 42 unforced errors but managed to limit her mistakes in the final set, committing only two. Gauff's victory improved her record against Andreeva to 6-0, with three of those wins coming from a set down.
With this win, Gauff advances to face No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina in the semifinals on September 10, 2026. Rybakina, who defeated Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 earlier on the same day, will ascend to the No. 1 ranking in the WTA standings as a result of her performance at the tournament. This match will be their third meeting, with the head-to-head currently tied at 1-1.
The semifinal matchup is particularly notable as it marks the first time since 1975 that all top four women’s seeds have reached the US Open semifinals. Gauff’s victory and Rybakina’s rise to the top spot highlight a competitive era in women’s tennis, where young talents are making their mark on the sport.
Gauff expressed respect for her upcoming opponent, saying, "Elena, well she’s the new world No. 1, so it’s going to be a tough match. The last time we played was a tough three-setter for me, and I’m ahead to the battle." Meanwhile, Rybakina acknowledged the significance of her achievement, stating, "It’s just a number right now, and of course, I’m in the semis, so my goal is to win the tournament. It’s an amazing achievement." This competitive spirit sets the stage for a highly anticipated semifinal.
As the tournament progresses, Gauff’s performance continues to impress. She has now won eleven consecutive matches, dating back to the Cincinnati Open, and has accumulated 12 comeback victories this season, tying her with Jessica Pegula for the most on the WTA Tour. Gauff’s determination and skill make her a formidable contender as she aims for her second US Open title.
With the semifinals approaching, fans eagerly anticipate the clash between Gauff and Rybakina, which will likely be an exciting encounter between two of the sport's rising stars. The match is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, and will be a key moment in determining the future of women’s tennis.