Coco Gauff beats Mirra Andreeva to reach US Open semi-final

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff entered the first set of her US Open quarter-final against Mirra Andreeva in a state of statistical collapse, losing the opening frame in just 26 minutes. By the end of the match, the 2023 champion had transformed her game entirely, producing a near-perfect final set to secure a 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2 victory. The match served as a study in psychological recovery. Gauff, the No. 4 seed, was forced to fight off two match points in a second-set tiebreak before dominating the decider. The result advances Gauff to her first semi-final in New York since her title run in 2023 and sets up a clash with the incoming world No. 1, Elena Rybakina.

Andreeva's Tactical Dominance and Gauff's Collapse

The opening set was a one-sided affair. According to CBS Sports, Mirra Andreeva executed a precise game plan, directing more than 72% of her shots toward Gauff's forehand. The strategy was devastatingly effective; Gauff hit only three winners and committed 14 unforced errors in the first set alone, winning just five of the opening 21 points. Gauff's struggles extended to her serve, which Sky Sports described as having deserted her. Throughout the match, Gauff struggled with 12 double faults.

Metric	First Two Sets	Third Set
Unforced Errors (Gauff)	40	2
Match Result	2-6, 7-6(7)	6-2

The Pivot: The Restroom Reset and the Tiebreak

The turning point occurred off the court. Gauff revealed that after the first set, she used a restroom break to mentally recalibrate, drawing strength from Frances Tiafoe's comeback win against Alex Michelsen the previous day.

"I just had to reset," Gauff said. "I came out at the start, not feeling the ball, giving her too many free points. Mirra was playing a great level, but when I went to the restroom after the first set, honestly I was thinking about Frances Tiafoe and how he came back yesterday."

Related YouTube video

Coco Gauff, via skysports.com

This mental shift culminated in a high-tension second-set tiebreak. The momentum swung during a 39-shot rally — the longest of the match, which Gauff won with a drop shot to lead 5-3. Despite this, Andreeva fought back to reach match point at 6-6. Gauff saved two match points, including one following a backhand passing shot by Andreeva, to eventually take the tiebreak 9-7.

Emotional Fallout for Andreeva

The failure to convert match points appeared to break Andreeva's composure. In the third set, the 19-year-old Russian, who won the French Open earlier this year, struggled to maintain the level of play seen in the opener. While Gauff tightened her game, Andreeva committed 14 unforced errors in the final set to Gauff's two. The frustration peaked when Andreeva hurled her racket toward her chair. Sky Sports reported that the racket spun toward a camera operator who had to dodge out of the way. Andreeva later explained the outburst, stating, I felt like I was holding my emotions for too long, not reacting on a lot of points. At one point I felt like needed to let it out via the BBC.

Broadening American Momentum

Gauff's victory is part of a wider surge for American tennis at the 2026 US Open. She joins Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. The women's draw now features the top four seeds in the last four for the first time since 1975, and the first time at any Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009, according to the BBC. This grittiness, as highlighted by CBS Sports, allows Gauff to prevail even when her technical game falters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Gauff's error count change during the match?

Gauff began the match with significant instability, committing 40 unforced errors across the first two sets. However, she adjusted in the final set, committing only two errors to cruise to a 6-2 win.

What is the significance of Elena Rybakina's ranking?

By reaching the semifinals after defeating Zheng Qinwen, Rybakina secured enough points to overtake Aryna Sabalenka as the world No. 1 on Monday, ending Sabalenka's 99-week tenure at the top.

What was the historical rarity of the semi-final lineup?

The progression of the top four seeds to the semifinals is the first time this has occurred at the US Open since 1975 and the first time at any Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009.

The upcoming semi-final between Gauff and Rybakina is their third meeting, with their head-to-head record currently tied 1-1. Gauff faces a newly crowned world No. 1 who has already won the Australian Open this year.