Gauff Advances to French Open Semi-Finals Amidst Erratic Performance

PARIS: Coco Gauff secured a spot in the French Open semi-finals, overcoming Madison Keys in a disjointed match marked by numerous errors. Gauff’s 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-1 victory saw both players struggle with consistency on Wednesday, collectively exceeding 100 unforced errors.

A significant portion of Gauff’s points stemmed from unforced errors committed by Keys. Gauff, currently ranked number two globally, also battled her own game, registering 10 double faults during the match.

The 21-year-old will need to exhibit noticeable improvements as she prepares to face either Lois Boisson of France or Mirra Andreeva, the sixth-seeded player from Russia, for a chance to compete in Sunday’s final.

Keys, whose ambition was to reach the semi-finals at Roland Garros for the second time after her 2018 appearance, concluded the match with her 60th unforced error.

“I am pleased to have made it through today’s match. I still have much to prepare for, and I will be ready,” Gauff stated.

“I adjusted my approach at 4-1 in the first set. Playing against her is challenging due to the speed and low trajectory of her shots. I focused on competing for each point and ensuring the ball crossed the net.”

Gauff, a finalist in 2022, holds the distinction of being the youngest woman to achieve 25 main-draw victories at Roland Garros since Martina Hingis (1995-2000).

The initial set was characterized by inconsistent play, with the first three games resulting in breaks of serve.

Keys achieved the first hold, establishing a 3-1 lead, and followed with another break. However, Gauff responded with a break of her own and then held serve for the first time, narrowing the score to 4-3.

In a series of breaks, Gauff equalized at 4-4 and subsequently held serve, applying pressure to Keys, who managed to save a set point, leading to a tiebreak.

Despite the fluctuating quality of play, the intensity was evident. Ultimately, Keys prevailed in the tiebreak as Gauff’s three double faults handed her the set.

The second set did not show immediate improvements.

“There were numerous unforced errors,” Gauff commented during the match.

Gauff then leveled the match, capitalizing on Keys’ struggles, and dominated the final set to secure her victory.