Coco Gauff reaches WTA Finals semi-finals with statement win over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in Riyadh - 'It means a lot'

The USA's Coco Gauff is through to the semi-finals of the 2024 WTA Finals after a statement victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. The world No. 3 showed her resilience throughout a closely-fought encounter, battling back from several double-faults and breaks to beat her Polish rival. The victory was only Gauff's second triumph over Swiatek in 13 meetings.

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Video credit: SNTV

Coco Gauff booked her place in the semi-finals of the 2024 WTA Finals with a 6-3 6-4 victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

Swiatek and Gauff exchanged the opening two games of the first set.

The world No. 3 had the chance to break her opponent in the third, but Swiatek battled back from 40-30 down to hold.

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Gauff's chance finally came with the set locked at 3-3, and she took it, holding serve before breaking her opponent to take a 5-3 lead.

The 2024 French Open champion wrapped up the set in style to take a 1-0 lead in the match.

Gauff saved two break points to hold serve and win the opening game of the second set.

Swiatek made it 1-1 before capitalising on a series of double-faults to break Gauff and take a 2-1 lead in the second set.

However, the 20-year-old responded with a break of her own to stop Swiatek's momentum in its tracks and level the second set at 2-2.

The fifth game of the second set was another closely fought affair, but Gauf showed immense heart to hold serve under pressure.

Swiatek held serve in the sixth and followed it up with a break to restore her advantage.

However, Gauff got back on level terms with another impressive break before holding serve to move within a game of victory.

The world No. 3 held her nerve, breaking her opponent to win the set and the match.

The victory was only Gauff's second in 13 meetings with Swiatek.

In her post-match interview, she revealed that she was still confident heading into the match.

"Despite our head-to-head, I had a lot of confidence going in," Gauff said.

"I felt like I was playing great tennis, and even when I was playing a bit sloppy, the games were still going to deuce.

"That gave me confidence and I knew that if I could just find my game, that I would have the chance to close out the match.

"The first set I think I had three straight games in a row with break points, I did not let that discourage me. I knew I was going to get it eventually.

"It means a lot [to have the fans supporting her], it was a fun atmosphere, even with some of you guys cheering for Iga. I like playing in atmospheres like this."

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