Coco Gauff, ranked No. 6 in the world, demonstrated her resilience and determination by fighting back from a set down to defeat Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the China Open on Thursday. The win secured Gauff’s spot in the semifinals, where she will face Spain’s Paula Badosa, who had an impressive victory of her own in the other quarterfinal.
Starodubtseva’s Strong Start
Starodubtseva ranked No. 115, was in exceptional form leading into the match, winning all of her previous three matches without dropping a set. She quickly gained control of the encounter, capitalizing on Gauff’s early mistakes and hitting 10 winners to secure the first set 6-2. This slow start for Gauff mirrored her previous challenge against Naomi Osaka, where she also faced a tough first set before Osaka retired due to a lower back injury.
Gauff’s Turnaround
Down a set, Gauff refocused and found her rhythm in the second set. After saving two break points in her first service game, she broke Starodubtseva’s serve and took a 3-1 lead. This moment shifted the momentum in Gauff’s favor, and she cruised through the remainder of the match, only dropping three more games to seal the victory. Gauff’s ability to regain control of the match showcased her mental toughness and resilience on the court.
Coco Gauff (image via Getty)Badosa’s Dominant Performance
In the other quarterfinal, Paula Badosa continued her dominant form by defeating China’s Zhang Shuai 6-1, 7-6(4). Badosa’s strong performance extended her impressive run, having won 28 of her last 35 matches since May. This includes a run to the semifinals of the US Open and a strong showing in her recent tournaments. Badosa’s consistent form makes her a formidable opponent for Gauff in their upcoming semifinal clash.
Zhang’s Remarkable Journey
While Zhang’s tournament ended in defeat, her journey to the quarterfinals was nothing short of remarkable. Entering the China Open on a 24-match losing streak, Zhang, ranked No. 595, managed to turn things around, winning all four of her matches without losing a single set. This unexpected run marked a significant achievement for Zhang, who showed great resilience despite her previous struggles.
Anticipation for Semifinal Clash
With Gauff’s victory, tennis fans are eagerly anticipating her upcoming semifinal match against Badosa. Known for her tenacity and ability to bounce back from tough situations, Gauff will need to bring her best game to face the highly consistent Badosa. Both players have been in excellent form, making this semifinal matchup one to watch closely.
Stay updated with the latest news from the China Open as Etruesports continues to provide comprehensive coverage, insights, and analysis of the tournament’s progress. With exciting matchups and impressive performances, the China Open promises to offer more thrilling moments as the action unfolds.
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