Coco Gauff is an athletic genius with smooth movements. But it’s her perseverance that defines her.
The 22-year-old put her mettle on full display in Miami this week, winning four consecutive three-set matches to reach the tournament’s semifinals for the first time.
Gauff had to withdraw from her last 16 match against Alexandra Eala in Indian Wells due to an arm injury, but she has been working hard to return to the biggest event in her cherished home state.
She made the most of the opportunity, reaching the tournament’s semifinals for the first time, becoming the youngest American to achieve the feat since seven-time champion Serena Williams in 2004.
Gauff defeated Belinda Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 and will face Karolina Muchova in the semifinals. The Czech defeated Victoria Mboko 7-5, 7-6(5) on Tuesday. Gauff’s lifetime record against Muchova is 5-0.
“It was a tough game. Belinda is a strong player and every time we play it’s a long game – we had a lot of running and a few falls today, but I’m really proud of the way I fought,” Goff said. “I think that’s the theme of the week.”
Gauff was in control early on but ran out of steam in the second set as Bencic broke serve twice and won the final three games to force a decider.
The American player was broken again at 3-2 in the third game, but as usual did not lose another game in the rest of the game. The Swiss player broke serve twice and finally won in the service game in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
“She stepped up her game today and I was able to step up my game in the third game,” Goff said.
Gauff hit 32 winners, while Bencic had only 14, with a first-serve winning rate of 76%.
She said she was most proud of how she ended the match, hitting a 30-deuce ace at 5-3 and then hitting a powerful second serve on match point.
“I think how I kept my composure — I was able to serve better as the game went on,” Goff said. “That ace at 30-all showed my improvement, believing in myself and getting the second serve on match point – I think there was a lot to be proud of today.”
