Coco Gauff stunned reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the Madrid Open semi-final, handing the No. 2 seed a bruising 6-1 6-1 loss in just an hour and four minutes. The American is now through to her first final at the Caja Magica, awaiting either Aryna Sabalenka or Elina Svitolina.
It’s been a difficult season for Swiatek so far, as she has failed to reach any finals. The Pole was the reigning champion in Madrid, but she will now have to go back to the drawing board as she has two more titles to defend over the coming weeks – the Italian Open and French Open.
While Swiatek has been struggling to find her usual dominant form, Gauff also delivered a statement performance, making just eight unforced errors in the whole match compared to 28 from her opponent.
The 21-year-old has now won three matches in a row against Swiatek, also beating her at the WTA Finals and the United Cup. After booking her spot in Saturday’s final, the No. 4 seed admitted she was wary that Swiatek could get back into the match at any moment.
“I think [I was proud of] just the mentality I had through the whole match. I think I was aggressive and played with margin,” Gauff said.
“Maybe it wasn’t her best level today but I think I kind of forced her into some awkward positions and I’m really happy with how I played today.”
Asked how significant it was to hold her focus, the former US Open champion continued: “Super important, especially when you’re playing someone like Iga.
“You know at any moment she can come back and play great tennis, so, for me, it was just making sure my level stayed the same and trying to raise it.
“I knew in that second set I had to raise it especially because she could come back. I’m really happy with how I played.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
