Defending champion and No. 2 seed Coco Gauff advanced to the China Open semifinals after a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 victory over Eva Lys. In a match that lasted one hour and 28 minutes, Gauff withstood a constant barrage of power to secure her place in the final four.
The No. 66-ranked Lys employed an all-out attacking strategy from the start, forcing Gauff into grueling rallies. While Lys’s relentless pace produced 14 winners and several breathtaking exchanges, her high-risk approach also led to 48 unforced errors. Gauff weathered the storm with her trademark defense and clutch shot-making, controlling crucial moments of the match.
“She’s a tough opponent; she hit some incredible shots on the run,” Gauff said afterward. “I was trying my best to stay aggressive, just staying confident in my game and not being too passive when I have the lead.”
The victory marks Gauff’s fourth semifinal appearance of 2025 and her first on a surface other than clay since winning last year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh. She extends her formidable career record in Beijing to 14-1 and becomes the first player to reach three consecutive semifinals at the event since Jelena Jankovic from 2006-08.
Seeking to defend a title for the second time in her career, Gauff will next face either No. 3 seed Amanda Anisimova or No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini.
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