Iga Swiatek, World No. 1, falls to Coco Gauff in Cincinnati semis

US teenager Coco Gauff secures a victory over world number one Iga Swiatek in the Cincinnati Open semi-final.

In a thrilling semi-final clash at the Cincinnati Open, Coco Gauff, the seventh-ranked US teenager, emerged victorious over the world number one, Iga Swiatek. The match lasted nearly three hours and concluded with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-4. This win was significant for Gauff as she broke her streak of seven consecutive losses against Swiatek. Throughout the match, Gauff displayed remarkable resilience, saving four match points and seizing her first-ever win against the formidable Polish player.

Reflecting on her performance, Gauff acknowledged the challenge of playing against Swiatek and expressed her determination to seize every opportunity and fight for every point. Despite experiencing some negativity in the second set, Gauff managed to regain her focus and motivate herself, reminding herself that she is a warrior capable of overcoming any obstacle. Gauff's victory sets the stage for an exciting final on Sunday, where she will face either second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka or Czech Karolina Muchova.

Gauff's triumph in the semi-final not only showcased her exceptional talent but also marked a historic achievement. She became the first teenager since Vera Zvonareva in 2004 to reach the Cincinnati final. Gauff's dedication and hard work paid off as she delivered an impressive performance against the world's top-ranked player. She emphasized the importance of focusing on her own game and giving her best, even against such formidable opponents.

Gauff's recent success against top-10 opponents is a testament to her growing prowess in the world of tennis. With this victory, she secured her 11th career win over a top-10 player. Just last week, Gauff defeated 10th-ranked Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in Montreal. Gauff expressed her satisfaction with her progress and credited her hard work for her current achievements. She faced a pivotal moment where she had to decide whether to let setbacks crush her or use them as motivation to rise above. Gauff chose the latter, demonstrating her resilience and determination to succeed.

Prior to this victory, Swiatek had defeated Gauff twice this season, in Dubai and Roland Garros. However, Gauff entered the match with a strong belief in herself and her abilities. She approached the game with a mindset of giving her all and never giving up, even in the face of tough moments. Gauff's confidence and determination proved to be the winning formula as she outplayed Swiatek and emerged victorious.

The first set of the match was a closely contested battle, lasting 67 minutes. It featured four consecutive breaks, with Gauff managing to take it into a tie-breaker. Gauff dominated the tie-breaker, securing a 4-0 lead and converting on her first set point. However, Swiatek quickly responded, breaking Gauff's serve and eventually equalizing the match by breaking again in the final game of the set. In the decisive third set, Gauff took the lead with a crucial break for 4-3 and ultimately sealed her victory as Swiatek volleyed wide on Gauff's fourth winning chance.

Gauff's triumph in front of an American crowd was a memorable experience for her. She appreciated the support and even acknowledged the presence of Polish flags in the stands. Gauff's performance in the semi-final showcased her exceptional skills, resilience, and determination. It is evident that her hard work and dedication are paying off, and she continues to prove herself as a rising star in the world of tennis.