US Open champion Coco Gauff faced a formidable challenge against Ukrainian world No. 37 Marta Kostyuk but managed to secure victory in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Gauff triumphed 7-6(6), 6-7(3), 6-2 in a match that lasted over three hours on a scorching hot Rod Laver Arena, advancing to her first Australian Open semi-final.
Despite a less-than-stellar performance, the fourth-seeded American adhered to coach Brad Gilbert's famous saying of "Winning Ugly." Gauff acknowledged the toughness of her opponent, stating, "I'm really proud of the fight I showed today; Marta's a tough opponent, every time we play it's a tough match. I really fought and left it all out on the court today."
Gauff, playing her final Grand Slam as a teenager, entered the quarterfinals on a nine-match winning streak, aiming to build on her previous Grand Slam success at the US Open.
Kostyuk took an early lead with a 5-1 advantage and served twice for the opening set, even holding a set point on Gauff's serve. However, Gauff, displaying problem-solving skills, fought back, winning five consecutive games to serve for the set.
The second set saw both players trading breaks, with Gauff initially edging ahead and serving for the match at 5-3. However, Kostyuk managed to level the contest at one-set all, capitalizing on Gauff's vulnerable second serve and her own ability to produce winners.
In the third set, Gauff adjusted her game, increasing the pace of her first serve and backhand as Kostyuk tired. Although facing challenges when serving for the match, Gauff eventually secured victory at the third attempt.
Gauff now advances to the semi-final, where she will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Czech ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova in a rematch of last year's Flushing Meadows final.
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