Gauff saves match points to set up Rybakina semi-final

Coco Gauff saved two match points to overcome Mirra Andreeva 2‑6 7‑6 (9‑7) 6‑2 and arrange a US Open semi‑final against incoming world No. 1 Elena Rybakina. After losing a 26‑minute opening set, the fourth‑seeded American twice surrendered a break lead in a scrappy second set before prevailing in a 16‑point tie‑break to force a decider. Buoyed by a vocal crowd, Gauff described her resolve as stemming from Frances Tiafoe’s Tuesday night comeback victory over Alex Michelsen. “At the extremity of the archetypal acceptable I was reasoning astir Frances and however helium came backmost yesterday,” Gauff said. “We each privation to bash good beforehand of this crowd. Honestly, I was conscionable trying to permission the tribunal with nary regrets.” The win marks her second consecutive Grand Slam semi‑final appearance and her first at Flushing Meadows since capturing the title in 2023. It also represents the first occasion since Wimbledon 2009 that the top four seeds have all reached the women’s singles semi‑finals at a major, following Tuesday’s advances by top seed Aryna Sabalenka and third seed Jessica Pegula. Earlier, second seed Elena Rybakina rebounded from losing a set for the first time this tournament—and facing a break point in the final—to defeat Zheng Qinwen 3‑6 6‑1 6‑4. At 27 years old, Rybakina entered the New York event trailing Sabalenka by 434 points and was assured of attaining the WTA No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career by reaching the last four.