Coco Gauff had to survive two match points to return to the US Open semifinals. On Wednesday, September 9, the 2023 champion rallied past Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is her first appearance in New York's final four since winning the title.
The second set delivered the drama. In the tiebreak, Gauff won a 39-shot rally with a drop shot, but later faced match points with Andreeva leading 6-5 and 7-6. The Russian missed forehands on both opportunities. Gauff took the breaker 9-7 and seized control of the third set.
According to the WTA, the American has now won all six meetings with Andreeva. It was also her 12th comeback victory of the season, drawing level with Jessica Pegula for the most on the tour in 2026.
After the match, Gauff explained one source of her confidence: Frances Tiafoe's recovery from two sets down the previous day. Remembering that her compatriot had also appeared close to elimination helped her keep hoping for another opportunity and trying to take it.
Her next test is Elena Rybakina on Thursday night, September 10. Their head-to-head stands at 1-1. In their most recent meeting, this year's Toronto semifinal, Rybakina won 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
The Arthur Ashe night session opens with Aryna Sabalenka against Pegula, followed by Gauff's match. The top four seeds have all reached the US Open women's semifinals for the first time since 1975. Her quarterfinal comeback keeps Gauff in contention for another final at her home major.
The embedded video features highlights of Gauff against Andreeva from the official US Open channel.
Sources: WTA, Gauff vs. Andreeva match report and semifinal preview (September 9, 2026); US Open, quarterfinal report and Gauff interview on belief (September 9, 2026), and Thursday's schedule (September 10, 2026).