Coco Gauff reaches final four, to face Swiatek

USA’s Coco Gauff produced a steady and assured performance to defeat compatriot Madison Keys 6-2, 7-5 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Thursday (February 23). Gauff now enters the semi-final with World No1 and top seed Iga Swiatek. Gauff served well and kept Keys on the run, and even when her older, more experienced opponent broke back after losing her serve, the 18-year-old American stayed calm and efficiently wrapped up the second set. Considered the next big thing, Gauff has faced Swiatek five times and each has ended in straight set defeats. On the prospect of facing the Pole in what is only her second WTA 1000 semi-final, Gauff was typically pragmatic. “I mean, no pressure,” she said. “She's playing at the top of her game. It's going to be a challenge, but, to be honest, I think it's a good match-up just to see where I can maybe improve on. You know, there's no pressure for me. I'm just going to go out there swinging. Whatever happens, happens. You just kind of have to go in believing you can win even when the odds seem stacked against you.” ICA/Expat Media
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