Introduction – Gauff’s Impressive Run Continues
American teenage sensation Coco Gauff continued her impressive run at the 2024 Australian Open on Tuesday, defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in an epic three-set quarterfinal battle to advance to her first semifinal at Melbourne Park.
The 18-year-old Gauff, who won her first Grand Slam title at last year’s US Open, showed remarkable poise and fight to edge past the unseeded Kostyuk 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 7-5 after an enthralling 2 hour and 42 minute clash on Rod Laver Arena.
First Set Goes to Kostyuk in Tiebreaker
The first set saw both players hold serve comfortably as they sized each other up in their first career meeting. Kostyuk matched Gauff’s power game early on as neither player was able to manufacture a break point. With clean ball-striking, solid serving, and few unforced errors, the set fittingly went to a tiebreaker. Kostyuk raised her level at the crucial moment, playing an exquisite backhand passing shot to earn a set point which she converted to take a tight opening set 7-6(5).
Gauff Battles Back to Force Decider
The second set saw Gauff become more aggressive as she looked to wrest back momentum. She earned six break points at 2-2 but Kostyuk refused to yield, saving them all with courageous play. Gauff had to stave off three break points herself at 4-4 to avoid falling behind. With her renowned competitiveness rising to the fore, Gauff continued pressing and finally converted her ninth break point of the set at 6-5 to force a deciding set.
| Set | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kostyuk | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Gauff | 6 | 7 | 7 |
Gauff Digs Deep in Decider
The third set was another epic tussle filled with sensational rallies showcasing the shotmaking talents of both women. Gauff grabbed an early break and had points for a 4-1 lead before Kostyuk broke back, pumping her fists wildly to get back on serve at 3-3. The Ukrainian then staved off five more break points at 4-4 to stay on level terms. But Gauff refused to crack, saving two break points herself at 5-5 with clutch serving before finally securing the decisive break at 6-5 to complete an exhilarating victory.
Jumping for joy after converting her fifth match point, a thrilled Gauff let out a huge roar of delight as she booked her place in the last four. Her achievement caps a stellar run so far in Melbourne for the American teen who has now won 11 straight matches at Grand Slam events.
Gauff Praises Kostyuk, Talks About Embracing Adulthood
In her post-match press conference, Gauff was effusive in her praise for her unseeded opponent Kostyuk, stating “Marta definitely pushed me to play some of my best tennis. “She played extremely aggressively and I knew I had to raise my level. I’m just really happy I was able to tough it out in the end.”
Reflecting on her continued success at tennis’ biggest tournaments, Gauff commented: “I guess I’m embracing adulthood! I’m feeling a lot more confident and comfortable on the big stages now while still maintaining my aggressive mindset.”
Looking ahead to her semifinal clash with either world #2 Ons Jabeur or #24 Karolina Pliskova, Gauff stressed she won’t be taking anything for granted. “I’ll have to play my very best tennis again no matter who I face next. All the women left are extremely dangerous players capable of winning the tournament.”
What Next For Gauff?
Still only 18, Coco Gauff has already achieved immense success but continues blazing a trail for the next generation of stars in women’s tennis with her run to the final four in Melbourne. She will face either second seed Ons Jabeur or former world #1 Karolina Pliskova in the semifinals as she bids to reach her first Australian Open final.
Seeded just seventh at this year’s tournament, Gauff has proven herself to be a complete all-court player capable of raising her game to overcome tough challenges. Her competitive confidence continues to grow with each big-match victory and she will be eager to claim a second Grand Slam title after her breakthrough at last year’s US Open.
While a handful of players possess the talent and experience to block her path, Gauff has sent a statement this fortnight that she is now a serious contender at every Grand Slam event she enters. With her athleticism, clean ball-striking and mental fortitude, she has the ability and belief to defeat any opponent on the biggest stages under intense pressure.
Still just embarking on her career, Coco Gauff looks poised to become a dominant force in women’s tennis for many years to come. But her immediate focus will be bringing her scintillating brand of attacking tennis to the semifinals as she continues her quest for Australian Open glory.
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