Coco Gauff has reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the first time, recovering from a difficult opening set to defeat Jessica Pegula in a hard-fought comeback victory.
The two-time Grand Slam singles champion had never previously advanced beyond the fourth round at the All England Club, and she exited in the first round last year. This time, the 22-year-old dug deep to overcome world number four Pegula — the highest-ranked player left in the singles draw — winning 4-6 6-3 6-3.
A Fighting Comeback
Gauff, seeded seventh, struggled early, hampered by four double faults and 17 unforced errors in the opening set. But as she has done throughout the tournament, she summoned her renowned fighting spirit to turn the match around.
The victory made her the first woman in 30 years to reach the singles semi-finals with four three-set wins. It also established her as the youngest player to reach the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams since Maria Sharapova, who managed the feat at the 2007 French Open.
The momentum shifted in the second set after Pegula failed to convert three break points across Gauff's opening two service games. Gauff pounced on a poor game from her opponent to break to love, then held her nerve from 0-30 down to serve out the set and level the match.
Raising Her Level When It Mattered
The final set proved just as unpredictable, but it was Gauff who lifted her game at the crucial moments. After Pegula broke back, the American responded immediately to move 4-3 ahead, before sealing victory on Pegula's serve at her first match point.