In a thrilling quarter-final match at the French Open, world number three Coco Gauff demonstrated her resilience by coming back from a set down to defeat Ons Jabeur, securing her spot in the semi-finals for the second time in her career. Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and former Roland Garros runner-up, showcased her fighting spirit on Court Philippe Chatrier, eventually triumphing 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
This victory sets the stage for Gauff to face either the tournament favorite Iga Swiatek or the formidable Marketa Vondrousova in the semi-finals. Reflecting on the match, Gauff acknowledged the challenging nature of facing Jabeur, a player beloved by fans. “She’s a tough opponent and she’s well loved on tour and I could tell by the crowd you guys wanted her to win. When I’m not playing, I do too,” Gauff remarked, addressing the crowd that had been vocally supporting her opponent. She added, “I like playing in atmospheres like this. I know you wanted her to win but even when I was in the bathroom, I was thinking this is really fun, win or lose.”
The victory marks a significant milestone for the American star, as it will be her third consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Earlier this year, Gauff also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in the world. Her journey at Roland Garros continues to captivate tennis fans, with the possibility of a repeat of the 2022 final against Swiatek looming on the horizon.
For Jabeur, the eighth seed from Tunisia, the quest for her first major title remains unfulfilled. Despite her impressive track record, which includes reaching three finals and four quarter-finals, Jabeur was unable to overcome Gauff’s tenacity. The first set was tightly contested, with Jabeur clinching it on her third set point after securing a crucial break in the seventh game. However, Gauff quickly found her rhythm in the second set, breaking Jabeur’s serve three times to level the match.
The deciding set saw Gauff seize a critical break in the fourth game, maintaining her composure and focus to close out the match on her third match point. Jabeur’s errant smash on match point sealed her fate, allowing Gauff to advance. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff said, “Today I was trying to be aggressive towards the end and I got a little bit tight on the couple of match points but I think I did what I needed to do to win the match.”
Gauff’s potential semi-final clash with Swiatek adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. The Polish star has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, winning ten of their eleven meetings, all in straight sets. This includes victories in each of the last two French Opens. Despite this daunting record, Gauff remains undeterred and is focused on continuing her remarkable run at Roland Garros.
As the French Open progresses, all eyes will be on Gauff as she aims to reach the final once again. Her journey through the tournament has been a testament to her growth and determination as a player. Tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her upcoming matches, with the hope that she can overcome the formidable challenges ahead and perhaps even claim the coveted Roland Garros title.
