Coco Gauff returning a shot during her straight-sets semi-final match against Sara Bejlek.
Coco Gauff is one win away from another WTA 1000 title!
The World No. 4 American has booked her place in the Cincinnati Open final after putting together a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory over Czech left-hander Sara Bejlek on P&G Stadium Court. The 76-minute semi-final saw Gauff recover from a brief wobble in the opening set before taking complete control in the second at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Gauff came out firing, breaking Bejlek early to take a 4-1 lead. The 20-year-old Czech, who had already enjoyed a remarkable run through the tournament, refused to let the set slip away and fought back to level things at 4-4. But Gauff stayed composed, found another break and closed out the opening set 6-4.
Coco Gauff serving on P&G Stadium Court during her victory over Czech opponent Sara Bejlek.
From there, she barely gave Bejlek an opening. Gauff won all 10 of the first-serve points she played in the second set and broke Bejlek twice as she raced to a 6-1 finish. She also converted six of seven break-point opportunities across the match and collected 32 receiver points compared with Bejlek’s 13.
After the match, Gauff explained that she knew she could not afford to relax, particularly after seeing Bejlek fight her way back in the first set.
I tried not to take my foot off the gas because I knew at any moment she could come back.
Coco Gauff acknowledges the crowd after qualifying for the Cincinnati Open final.
The win also brings Gauff one step closer to another major title and sets up a particularly exciting final. Waiting for her on the other side of the net will be fellow American Jessica Pegula, who defeated Iga Świątek in the other semi-final.
And there is a little history attached to this one.
Gauff and Pegula will play an all-American women’s singles final, the first of its kind at the Cincinnati Open since 1970. The pair also know each other well from their time as doubles partners, although this time they will be on opposite sides of the court with the Cincinnati title on the line.
Away from the action, Gauff also brought her usual courtside style to the tournament in a custom New Balance kit featuring a sleeveless top and pleated performance skirt.
Coco Gauff celebrates during her 6-4, 6-1 semi-final victory over Sara Bejlek at the Cincinnati Open.
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Photo Credit: Cincinnati Open/Instagram
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