Coco Gauff Draws on Tiafoe Inspiration to Reach US Open Semifinals

Posted : 10 September 2026

Coco Gauff produced another remarkable comeback at the US Open on Wednesday, overcoming reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva to book her place in the semifinals. The fourth-seeded American recovered from a difficult opening set and survived two match points in the second-set tiebreak before completing a 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 victory.

Gauff admitted that Frances Tiafoe's dramatic comeback against Alex Michelsen the previous day provided inspiration when she found herself close to elimination. Tiafoe had recovered from two sets down to reach the men's semifinals, and Gauff said watching his fightback reminded her that a match can change with a single opportunity.

The American struggled to find her rhythm early on as Andreeva controlled the first set. The momentum shifted in the second, however, with both players exchanging breaks before Gauff forced a tiebreak. Andreeva reached two match points, but she failed to convert either opportunity, allowing Gauff to escape and force a deciding set.

Once the third set began, Gauff looked increasingly confident. She raised her level, put pressure on Andreeva and pulled away to complete the comeback in two hours and 19 minutes. The victory sends her into her second US Open semifinal and keeps alive her hopes of winning a second title in New York.

Gauff's next opponent will be Elena Rybakina, who also recovered from a set down to defeat China's Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The result secured Rybakina's first US Open semifinal and guaranteed that she will become the new world No. 1.

The semifinal will be another major test for Gauff, with the head-to-head between the two players level at 1-1. Rybakina won their most recent meeting in the Toronto semifinals, but Gauff believes her ability to keep fighting gives her a chance against the powerful Kazakh.

The American is also part of a historic US Open semifinal line-up. All four top seeds have reached the women's last four for the first time at the tournament since 1975, with Gauff joining Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula in the final stages.

Gauff also highlighted the significance of having three Black American players — herself, Tiafoe and Ben Shelton — still competing in the singles draws. Tiafoe and Shelton will meet in the men's semifinal, guaranteeing a Black American finalist on the men's side, while Gauff represents the United States in the women's final four.

For Gauff, the comeback against Andreeva was another reminder of the importance of trusting herself under pressure. After surviving two match points and turning a difficult contest around, she now has the opportunity to reach another US Open final and continue a memorable run in New York.

Coco Gauff Draws on Tiafoe Inspiration to Reach US Open Semifinals

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