Miami Open: Coco Gauff reaches first semi-finals as Sinner progresses

2026-03-25 - 11:44

By Enitan Abdultawab Coco Gauff advanced to the semi-finals of the Miami Open for the first time after overcoming a resilient challenge from Belinda Bencic in a three-set encounter. The world number four recovered from a difficult second set to seal a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory, holding her composure late in the match to secure her place in the last four. Reflecting on the performance, Gauff said, “It was a tough match. It took a lot of running, some falls, but I’m really proud of how I fought. I think that’s been a theme of the week.” She added that her composure under pressure stood out most: “how I was able to hold my nerve” during key moments of the contest. The win also places Gauff in the record books, as she becomes the youngest American to reach the tournament’s semi-finals since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2004. Next, Gauff will face Karolina Muchova, who progressed after defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 7-5, 7-6 (7-5). Gauff holds a perfect record in their previous meetings and will aim to extend that dominance in the semi-final clash. A place in the final could also have ranking implications, with the American set to move up to third in the WTA standings if she progresses further, overtaking Iga Swiatek. Elsewhere in the draw, Elena Rybakina booked her quarter-final spot with a straight-sets win over Talia Gibson, setting up a meeting with Jessica Pegula. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is also through and will face Hailey Baptiste in another quarter-final tie. In the men’s category, Jannik Sinner will square up against Francis Tiafoe, Tommy Paul will slug it out against Arthur Fils while Alexander Zverez will battle Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals.