Coco Gauff stormed into the semi-finals of the 2025 Madrid Open with a commanding victory over Mirra Andreeva, winning 7-5, 6-1 in a quarter-final match that showcased her resilience and skill on the clay courts of Caja Mágica. The fourth-seeded American, who is just 21 years old, faced a tough challenge from the seventh-seeded Andreeva, who turned 18 this week and has been making waves on the WTA tour.
The match began with Andreeva breaking Gauff in the opening game, taking an early lead as Gauff struggled with unforced errors and the consistency of her deep forehands. Andreeva, who has impressed throughout the tournament, defended four break points, showcasing her determination and skill. However, the momentum shifted when Gauff broke back, leveling the score and setting the stage for a thrilling first set.
As the first set unfolded, both players exchanged breaks, with Andreeva finding a crucial break at 4-4, giving her the opportunity to serve for the set. But Gauff was not ready to back down. In a display of grit, she saved two set points and broke back, claiming the next three games to snatch the first set from Andreeva, much to the delight of the crowd.
Having seized the opening set, Gauff’s confidence soared. She dominated the second set, extending her streak to eight consecutive games won without reply. Her serve became increasingly effective, and her net play was sharp, leaving Andreeva struggling to keep pace. Gauff showcased her prowess, finishing the match decisively and booking her place in the semi-finals.
This victory not only marks Gauff's first semi-final appearance of the season at a WTA 1000 event but also adds to her impressive record since winning the US Open in 2023. Earlier in the tournament, she had defeated Dayana Yastremska, Ann Li, and Belinda Bencic, demonstrating her readiness to compete at the highest levels.
Next up for Gauff is a showdown against defending champion Iga Swiatek, who also had a challenging quarter-final match. Swiatek faced Madison Keys, where she suffered a bagel in the first set but rallied back to win 0-6, 6-3, 6-2. This clash between the two top players promises to be an exciting encounter, as Gauff seeks to continue her impressive run in Madrid.
Both Gauff and Swiatek are among the brightest stars in women’s tennis, and their upcoming match is set to be a highlight of the tournament. With Gauff’s recent form and Swiatek’s resilience, fans can expect a thrilling battle on the court. The semi-final is scheduled for May 1, 2025, at the Estadio Manolo Santana, and both players will be eager to secure a spot in the final.
