In a electrifying display of skill and determination, Coco Gauff powered her way into the semifinals of the 2025 Italian Open, defeating Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva in a gripping quarterfinal clash on May 14 at the Foro Italico. The world No. 3 American secured a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory, extending her perfect 4-0 head-to-head record against the 18-year-old Andreeva and solidifying her status as a formidable contender on clay. With this win, Gauff has guaranteed a return to the No. 2 world ranking, overtaking Iga Swiatek, and issued a bold warning to her rivals as she eyes her first Rome title and a strong showing at the upcoming French Open, starting May 25.
The match, a showcase of youthful talent, pitted two of the WTA’s brightest stars against each other in a battle that underscored their burgeoning rivalry. Gauff, 21, came into the contest riding a wave of confidence after a dominant 6-1, 6-2 rout of Emma Raducanu in the fourth round. Against Andreeva, she faced a sterner test, with the Russian pushing her to the limit in a tightly contested first set. “A lot of confidence heading into the semi-finals,” Gauff said post-match, acknowledging that while “some points weren’t played at my best,” her ability to stay composed under pressure was key. Andreeva, fresh off a comeback win over Clara Tauson, broke Gauff’s serve early and held a 5-3 lead, but her frustration boiled over at a critical moment, as she hurled her racquet after a wayward forehand. Gauff capitalized, breaking back and sealing the set 6-4 with a blistering forehand winner.
The second set was a rollercoaster, with both players trading breaks in a display of relentless baseline aggression. Andreeva, showcasing her maturity, regained focus after dropping serve early and forced a tiebreak. “I think I was aggressive and played with margin,” Gauff later reflected, referencing her ability to dictate rallies while avoiding unforced errors. Her speed and defensive prowess frustrated Andreeva, who sent a backhand long on match point, handing Gauff the tiebreak 7-5 after one hour and 42 minutes. Gauff’s statistical edge was clear: she won 73% of first-serve points and posted a dominance ratio of 1.42 compared to Andreeva’s 0.71, according to match analytics.
This victory marks Gauff’s third Rome semifinal appearance since 2021, a testament to her growing mastery on clay, where she has won nine of her last ten matches. “I’m from Florida, so I’m used to kind of dealing with it, working with it,” she said of the windy conditions that challenged both players. Her recent form, including a Madrid final run where she defeated Andreeva 7-5, 6-1, has silenced doubters after a shaky start to 2025. Gauff’s clay credentials are formidable—she reached the 2022 French Open final and the 2024 semifinals, and her 2024 Roland Garros title underscores her comfort on the surface.
Andreeva, despite the loss, remains a rising force. The youngest player to reach seven WTA 1000 quarterfinals, she has enjoyed a stellar 2025, with titles in Dubai and Indian Wells and a 2024 Roland Garros semifinal run where she stunned Aryna Sabalenka. “Mirra is a top-tier player,” Gauff acknowledged, praising her opponent’s resilience. Andreeva’s powerful groundstrokes and creative drop shots kept Gauff on her toes, but her 28 unforced errors compared to Gauff’s 22 proved costly.
Gauff now awaits the winner of the clash between top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in the Madrid final, and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. “I feel really happy with how I played,” Gauff said, emphasizing her focus on dictating play. Posts on X have hailed her “phenomenal” mindset and athleticism, with fans noting her ability to frustrate Andreeva with “speed & weight of shot.” As Gauff prepares for her semifinal, her performance in Rome sends a clear message: she’s peaking at the right time and ready to challenge for the title, with her sights set on joining legends like Serena Williams and Chris Evert as Rome champions.
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