U.S. Open 2026 Quarterfinals Wrap: Khachanov Advances, Gauff and Rybakina Reach Semifinals The quarterfinals of the 2026 U.S. Open concluded on September 9, 2026, at Flushing Meadows, with several key results shaping the semifinal matchups. On the women’s side, Coco Gauff (world No. 4) staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Mirra Andreeva (world No. 5) in three sets on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Gauff saved two match points in the final set before securing the victory, setting up a semifinal clash against Elena Rybakina (world No. 2), who advanced after a three-set win over Zheng Qinwen. Rybakina’s victory earned her the world No. 1 ranking, marking a significant milestone in her career. On the men’s side, Karen Khachanov (world No. 28) secured his place in the semifinals after a hard-fought match against Alexander Blockx (world No. 28). Blockx, who had reached the quarterfinals after defeating two higher-ranked players in his previous matches, retired during the third set due to persistent injuries to his ankle and thigh. Khachanov, who had already lost the first two sets, dominated the third set to clinch the victory in straight sets. This marked Khachanov’s third Grand Slam semifinal appearance, with his previous semifinal run dating back to the 2023 Australian Open. The final men’s quarterfinal match saw top-seeded Alexander Zverev (world No. 1) face Botic van de Zandschulp (world No. 10). The winner of this match would face Khachanov in the semifinals, setting up a potential clash between the world’s top two players. The match was anticipated to be a high-stakes encounter, with both players bringing their best form to the court. Gauff’s victory over Andreeva was highlighted by her resilience under pressure.#alexander_zverev #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina #karen_khachanov #us_open_2026
Influencers at US Open Spark Debate Over Tennis Etiquette and Crowd Behavior The United States Open has become a focal point for discussions about balancing modern audience engagement with the traditional customs of tennis. Around 100 influencers and content creators have been granted accreditation for the tournament in New York, doubling the number from the previous year. Their presence has ignited debates about how to introduce new demographics to the sport while preserving its established etiquette. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament’s primary venue with a capacity exceeding 23,000, has long been a hub for both players and spectators. However, the influx of influencers has raised questions about the impact of their behavior on the game. Players like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have expressed mixed views on the issue. Gauff acknowledged the value of attracting new audiences but emphasized the importance of adhering to the sport’s unwritten rules. “If you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans,” she said, adding that following the etiquette of tennis is essential. Osaka, who won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, shared her concerns about the noise and distractions caused by the influencers. During a match, a portable ring light used by the group led to a reprimand from the umpire. When Osaka returned to the court, the umpire repeatedly reminded the crowd to remain quiet. “Today the umpire told everyone to be quiet more than I’ve ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet,” Osaka said. She noted that the noise disrupted her focus and potentially affected her opponent as well. “I think it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette,” she added, while acknowledging the positives of growing the sport. Not all players have voiced criticism.#frances_tiafoe #daniil_medvedev #coco_gauff #us_open #naomi_osaka
Coco Gauff Advances to Cincinnati Third Round with Dominant Comeback Against Samsonova Coco Gauff, the No. 4 seed at the Cincinnati Open, overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 and secure her place in the third round. The 2023 Wimbledon champion, who had previously faced Samsonova in Toronto, acknowledged the challenge of the matchup but credited her resilience and the rain delay for helping her turn the tide. Gauff will next face No. 28 seed Ann Li in the round of 16, following Li’s 7-5, 6-3 victory over Zhang Shuai earlier Sunday. The match began with Samsonova taking control, winning the first set 6-2. However, Gauff’s determination shifted the momentum. In the second set, she earned a crucial break in the 10th game, forcing a deciding third set. Gauff dominated the final set, winning the last five games to complete the comeback in 2 hours and 6 minutes. “I knew when I saw the draw and I had to play her, especially after her run in Toronto, I was like, this is a tough match,” Gauff said after the win. She admitted her first-set performance was subpar but noted her level improved as the match progressed. “The rain delay did help, so I’m definitely grateful for that.” Gauff’s victory extended her perfect record against Samsonova to 5-0 on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz. Three of those wins have come in three sets, with Samsonova winning the first set each time before Gauff rallied to victory. This latest win marked her 10th comeback victory of the season, tying her with compatriot Jessica Pegula for the most such wins on tour in 2026. It also solidified her position as the player with the most three-set wins on the WTA Tour this year, achieving 15 such victories.#ann_li #coco_gauff #wta_tour_driven_by_mercedes_benz #cincinnati_open #liudmila_samsonova
Gauff, Pegula set up 1st all-American Cincy women's final in 56 years MASON, Ohio -- Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff advanced to the Cincinnati Open women’s final on Saturday, marking the first all-American showdown in the tournament’s history in 56 years. Pegula defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek in a three-set thriller, while Gauff overcame Sara Bejlek to secure her place in the final. The victory sets the stage for a historic clash between two American stars, a milestone that has not occurred since 1970. Pegula’s triumph over Swiatek came after a dramatic third set, where she rallied from a break down to claim a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The win extended Pegula’s career record to 45 victories on the year and marked her 300th tour-level win. It also ended Swiatek’s 10-match winning streak, a significant moment for the Polish player. Pegula, who previously reached the 2024 final but fell to Aryna Sabalenka, now faces the opportunity to claim her first Cincinnati title. Gauff, the 2023 champion, defeated Bejlek 6-4, 6-1 to advance. The 20-year-old Czech qualifier had already made history by upsetting top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys en route to the semifinals. Gauff’s path to the final included a strong performance against Bejlek, showcasing her resilience and skill. The 2023 champion now aims to repeat her success, with the possibility of a home-court advantage in the final. The last time two American women contested the Cincinnati final was in 1970, when Rosie Casals defeated Nancy Richey. This year’s final will be the first since then, highlighting the growing dominance of American women in the sport. Pegula, reflecting on the significance, stated, “I’m always rooting for American tennis. I like to play someone that I get along with and have a lot of respect for, like Coco.#jessica_pegula #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #cincinnati_open #sara_bejlek
Arthur Fils et Jessica Pegula Qualifient pour la Finale de l'Open de Cincinnati Arthur Fils a confirmé son excellent état de forme en remportant son match de huitième de finale de l'Open de Cincinnati contre Flavio Cobolli, portant ainsi sa série de victoires à cinq matchs. Le joueur français, classé 21e mondial, a battu le 7e sembré Cobolli avec un score de 6-3, 6-4 en seulement 67 minutes. Dans le premier set, Fils a exploité les erreurs de son adversaire depuis la ligne de fond pour obtenir un break, remportant ainsi le premier set. Il a conservé l'initiative grâce à des coups droits puissants et précis, concluant le match avec 22 coups gagnants et 6 aces. Fils affrontera le gagnant de la demi-finale entre Brandon Nakashima et Frances Tiafoe en finale. Dans le tournoi féminin, Jessica Pegula a réalisé une remontée spectaculaire pour battre la championne en titre Iga Swiatek en trois sets (7-5, 4-6, 6-4) après 2 heures et 47 minutes. La tenante du titre, classée 2e mondiale, a dû surmonter un revers dans le deuxième set pour finalement s'incliner. Pegula, qui est la 2e sembrée, s'est qualifiée pour la finale en affrontant la gagnante de la demi-finale entre Coco Gauff et Sara Bejlek. Après le match, Pegula a déclaré : « Battre une grande joueuse comme Iga en demi-finale et atteindre à nouveau la finale d'un tournoi WTA 1000, c'est fantastique. » Les deux victoires marquent un tournant important pour les deux joueurs. Fils, qui a déjà remporté l'Open de Barcelone en avril et détenu quatre titres ATP, continue de montrer une forme exceptionnelle. Pegula, quant à elle, confirme son statut de joueuse en constante évolution, capable de surmonter des défis face aux meilleures du circuit. Les deux joueurs se préparent désormais à la finale, où leur performance déterminera le destin du tournoi.#jessica_pegula #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #arthur_fils #open_de_cincinnati
Cincinnati Open Semifinals: Final Four Set for Thrilling Showdown The 2026 Cincinnati Open has narrowed down to its final four players as the tournament enters its semifinal stage. Saturday’s matches will determine which two athletes advance to Sunday’s championship clash, with the winners set to vie for the prestigious title. The day session features World No. 3 Jessica Pegula facing off against defending champion and World No. 5 Iga Swiatek, while the night session pits unseeded Sara Bejlek against top-seeded Coco Gauff. The matchups promise high stakes, with each player bringing unique strengths and recent momentum to the table. Pegula and Swiatek, two of the sport’s most formidable competitors, will meet for the 13th time on the WTA Tour. Swiatek holds a 7-5 edge in their head-to-head series, with her most recent victory coming in the 2026 Rome quarterfinals. However, Pegula has shown resilience in recent matches, including a hard-fought third-set win over Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals. Pegula’s ability to adapt to different surfaces and her strategic approach have been key to her success, particularly on hard courts where she has excelled. She emphasized her focus on continuous improvement, stating, “I’ve only gotten better, even this year I’ve improved on so many things.” Swiatek, meanwhile, praised Pegula’s tactical awareness, noting, “Jessie looks different than me on the court, but she has a great feeling and great ability to predict where the opponents are going to play.” The match between Swiatek and Pegula carries added significance as Swiatek seeks to reclaim her form after a challenging quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina, who retired due to an ankle injury. Despite the setback, Swiatek remained confident, highlighting her recent resurgence with a title in Toronto.#jessica_pegula #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #cincinnati_open #sara_bejlek
Gauff returns to Canadian Open quarters with dominant victory over Korneeva For the first time in three years, World No. 4 Coco Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals at the National Bank Open, securing her place in the final eight with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory over teenage qualifier Alina Korneeva. The win marks Gauff’s seventh WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz quarterfinal of 2026 and positions her to face the winner of the Belinda Bencic-Alexandra Eala matchup later in the day. Gauff, 22, has yet to drop a set in Toronto, maintaining her dominance with only four games lost across her first three matches. Korneeva, 18, faced her first-ever challenge against a top 10 player, having previously stunned higher-ranked opponents with victories over No. 23 seed Emma Navarro and No. 13 seed Iva Jovic. Despite her recent success, Korneeva’s bid for a breakthrough ended in straight sets, highlighting Gauff’s ability to neutralize threats from both established and emerging talent. Gauff’s performance at the Canadian Open underscores her growing consistency on the WTA Tour. Since 1990, she has become the second player to reach 25 or more career Tier I/WTA 1000 quarterfinals before turning 23, joining Martina Hingis, who achieved 39 such appearances. This milestone places Gauff in elite company, reflecting her longevity and adaptability in a fiercely competitive landscape. Her 2026 campaign at the Canadian Open also highlights her ability to thrive in high-stakes matches. Gauff now has four quarterfinal appearances at the event, with two in Toronto and two in Montreal. Only Gabriela Sabatini, who reached six such matches before turning 23, has surpassed this record. This achievement underscores Gauff’s resilience, as she previously struggled to advance beyond the Round of 16 for two consecutive years.#alexandra_eala #coco_gauff #belinda_bencic #alina_korneeva #national_bank_open
Tennis Stars Shine at Canadian Open as Top Seeds Advance to Round of 32 Second-seeded Elena Rybakina, third-seeded Jessica Pegula, and fourth-seeded Coco Gauff all secured their places in the Round of 32 at the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto on Wednesday, August 4, 2026. Rybakina, the Australian Open champion representing Kazakhstan, began her hardcourt campaign with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Australian Daria Kasatkina. The match, lasting two hours and 33 minutes, saw Rybakina hit six consecutive winners in the opening set but also commit 58 unforced errors. Despite her struggles with double faults—coughing up 16 during the match—Rybakina advanced to face 28th-seeded American Ann Li, who defeated Canadian wildcard Kayla Cross 7-6 (7/2), 6-3. Rybakina acknowledged her challenges, stating, “I want to see better serve, the percentage,” after her double fault issues. She admitted to adapting to jet lag and noted her energy levels could improve. Despite dropping the second set and facing three double faults while serving for the match, Rybakina remained focused, saying, “For the first match it wasn’t too bad, but of course I want to improve.” Her next opponent, Li, had previously eliminated Cross in straight sets. Pegula, who had lost in a rain-delayed Washington final on Monday, overcame Poland’s Magdalena Frech in a three-set thriller, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The world No. 2 described the match as a mental battle, emphasizing her resilience against Frech, whom she had also defeated in the second round of the Washington tournament. Pegula faced a quick turnaround this week, stating, “Having to face an opponent like that back-to-back is never easy.” She will now face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, whose opponent Katerina Siniakova retired during her match against Rakhimova, trailing 6-7 (1/7), 6-0, 5-2.#wta_1000 #jessica_pegula #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina #toronto
Wimbledon recap Day 3: Coco Gauff marks career anniversary in the best possible way Coco Gauff celebrated a significant milestone on Day 3 of Wimbledon by securing a hard-fought victory against Argentina’s Solana Sierra. The 22-year-old American, who had not won two consecutive grass-court matches since 2024, triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7) on No. 1 Court. The win marked seven years to the day since Gauff’s historic upset of Venus Williams at the same venue as a 15-year-old, a moment she still reflects on before each match. Gauff’s path to victory was fraught with challenges. Sierra, ranked world No. 56, mounted a strong comeback after losing the first set, outplaying Gauff in the final two sets and even taking a 7-4 lead in the deciding tiebreak. The match hinged on a dramatic moment when Gauff, facing a drop shot from Sierra, executed a miraculous block-flick backhand to win the point. “Really that one came out of, like, my butt,” Gauff joked afterward, acknowledging the improbability of the shot. She closed the match with aces and a surge of energy, emphasizing the importance of adaptability on grass courts. The victory was not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic return to form for Gauff, who has faced setbacks in her career. Her performance highlighted her resilience, as she maintained a strong first-serve percentage and won over 80% of first-serve points, despite Sierra’s relentless pressure on her second serve. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, recovering from a heartbreak in the French Open, showcased his determination by resuming a suspended match against Térence Atmane. The American, who had a 2-1 set lead when play was halted due to darkness, quickly regained control with a 7-6(6), 6-1, 6-4 victory.#frances_tiafoe #coco_gauff #wimbledon #solana_siera #claire_liu
Best of Wimbledon Round 2: Gauff Survives, Krejcikova Lurks and Eala Makes More History The first two days of July at the All England Club delivered a mix of dramatic comebacks, historic milestones, and standout performances as the second round of Wimbledon unfolded. From Coco Gauff’s gritty survival against Solana Sierra to Barbora Krejcikova’s emphatic statement win over Mirra Andreeva and Alexandra Eala’s latest chapter in Philippine tennis history, the tournament’s second round was marked by high stakes and unforgettable moments. Coco Gauff’s journey to victory over Argentina’s Solana Sierra was a testament to her resilience. Trailing 5-3 in the deciding set and facing a 7-4 deficit in the tiebreak, Gauff summoned the mental fortitude of a two-time Grand Slam champion. Her coach’s reminder—“Remember who you are”—became a rallying cry as she clinched the final six points to secure a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7) triumph. The match, which lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes, featured a standout shot at 7-all in the tiebreak, described as the shot of the tournament so far. Gauff’s victory not only extended her winning streak against Sierra—now 3-0 in 2026—but also positioned her to challenge compatriot Claire Liu in the third round. Barbora Krejcikova, the 2024 Wimbledon champion, delivered a masterclass in perseverance by overcoming No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva. After falling behind 4-6 in the first set, Krejcikova clawed back to win the second set 7-5 and clinch the third 6-4. Her seventh match point victory underscored her determination, as she reflected on the significance of reaching Centre Court. “Every time I was able to get this opportunity, I feel very excited and very pleased,” Krejcikova said, emphasizing the surreal nature of her journey from a young player to a Grand Slam champion.#alexandra_eala #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #wimbledon #barbora_krejcikova
Gauff's Wimbledon Return Sparks Nostalgia and Hopes for Deep Run Coco Gauff, now a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, returned to Wimbledon’s Court 1 on Wednesday, seven years after her historic debut in 2019. At 15, she had stunned the tennis world by defeating Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion and her childhood idol, in the first round. The moment marked her emergence as a rising star, and now, with a career-high ranking of No. 7, she faces the challenge of repeating that breakthrough. Her victory over Solana Sierra in the second round reignited memories of her 2019 breakthrough, as she once again found herself in the spotlight, this time with the weight of experience and expectations. Gauff’s 2019 debut was a defining moment in her career. After qualifying for the main draw, she defeated Williams in straight sets, showcasing her fearless play, unshakable belief, and charismatic interviews. The win propelled her to the fourth round, where she fell to Karolína Plíšková. The match against Williams, in which Gauff had to bend over in disbelief after securing the victory, remains one of the most iconic moments of her early career. She described the experience as a “blackout,” a moment she has never watched, calling it “sacred in a way.” Yet, the memory of that day lingered as she stepped onto Court 1 this year, the same venue where her journey began. This year’s match against Sierra echoed the intensity of her debut. Gauff faced a relentless battle, overcoming a two-point deficit in the third set and a three-point gap in the final-set tiebreak to secure a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7) victory. The crowd, which had been supportive throughout, erupted in applause as she celebrated her win, throwing her racket down and raising her arms in triumph.#coco_gauff #wimbledon #venus_williams #court_1 #karolna_plkov
Berlin Open: Aryna Sabalenka Through to Quarter-Finals as Wimbledon Prep Continues Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarter-finals of the Berlin Open on Wednesday, marking her return to competitive tennis following her unexpected French Open exit earlier this month. The world No. 1 defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to secure her place in the next round. This victory serves as crucial preparation for her upcoming Wimbledon campaign, where she aims to reclaim her title. Sabalenka’s performance on grass was steady, with her focus clearly on refining her game ahead of the Grand Slam. She will next face Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the semi-finals, a match that could further test her form as the tournament progresses. The result also highlighted the challenges faced by Coco Gauff, the fifth-seeded American who was ousted by unseeded Spanish player Paula Badosa in a dramatic three-set match. Badosa, who had arrived in Germany on a five-match losing streak, overturned a first-set deficit to secure a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. This win marks Badosa’s fifth triumph over Gauff in their eight career meetings on the WTA Tour, further cementing her status as a formidable opponent. The Spanish player now advances to the quarter-finals, where she will face either No. 8 seed Linda Noskova or France’s Diane Parry. Badosa’s resurgence in Berlin underscores her resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, a trait that has become increasingly vital in the demanding tennis calendar. Beyond these two matches, the Berlin Open continued to showcase a mix of established stars and rising talents. Jessica Pegula, the 2024 Berlin champion, extended her dominance over Katerina Siniakova with a 6-1 victory, improving her head-to-head record against the Czech player to 6-1.#aryna_sabalenka #jessica_pegula #coco_gauff #paula_badosa #ekaterina_alexandrova
Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina Final Delayed Due to Rain at Italian Open 2026 Rain disrupted play at the Italian Open in Rome on Saturday, causing delays to the women’s schedule and pushing back preparations for the highly anticipated final between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina. The light rain at the Foro Italico forced a stoppage in the women’s doubles match between Storm Hunter/Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva/Diana Shnaider, with tournament officials monitoring conditions for further updates. Play was expected to remain suspended for approximately 35 to 50 minutes, as the courts remained unplayable despite the rain easing. The delay also impacted the women’s singles final, where Gauff and Svitolina were set to compete for the Italian Open title. Tournament organizers have not yet announced an official revised start time for the singles final, as they await further assessments of the weather and court conditions. If the rain persists, the Italian Open must adhere to standard WTA and ATP protocols for weather disruptions. The final could be postponed if the clay courts become unsafe due to saturation, as the lack of a retractable roof at Campo Centrale leaves officials unable to protect the courts from rain. If the rain continues into Saturday night, the women’s final is scheduled to be postponed to Sunday, May 17, 2026, creating a “Super Sunday” scenario where both the women’s and men’s finals would be played back-to-back on Campo Centrale. Gauff, the world No. 4, entered the final seeking her first Italian Open title after a disappointing loss in last year’s championship match. The American had navigated a challenging path to the final, including tense victories over Iva Jovic and Mirra Andreeva, before defeating Sorana Cirstea in the semifinals.#coco_gauff #elina_svitolina #foro_italico #italian_open_2026 #campo_centrale
Coco Gauff Advances to Rome Final with Dominant Performance Against Sorana Cirstea Coco Gauff secured her place in the Rome final with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Sorana Cirstea in the semifinals, marking her second consecutive appearance in the prestigious tournament. The 22-year-old American, known for her dynamic play and resilience, showcased her mastery of clay-court tennis with a six-game surge that dismantled Cirstea’s efforts. The win solidifies Gauff’s position as a rising force in the sport, particularly on the red clay of Rome, where she now faces either Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina in the final. Gauff’s path to the final was defined by her ability to recover from setbacks, a theme that resonated throughout her tournament. Her most dramatic comeback came in the quarterfinals against Iva Jovic, where she saved a match point in a 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 thriller. This followed a similar turnaround against eighth-seeded Mirra Andreeva, as Gauff rallied from a set down to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. These victories underscored her growing confidence and adaptability, particularly in high-pressure moments. The semifinal against Cirstea highlighted Gauff’s technical precision and mental fortitude. Cirstea, a 36-year-old Romanian in her planned farewell season, had previously stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 comeback. Despite her experience, Gauff’s relentless topspin forehand and strategic use of flat backhand shots proved too much. The match saw Gauff dominate key points, including a 23-shot rally that ended with a slick backhand drop shot winner, helping her secure a 5-4 lead in the second set. Gauff’s performance was also marked by her exceptional serve, which reached a 78% first-serve success rate.#iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #elina_svitolina #sorana_cirstea #rome_tournament
Coco Gauff Briefly Halts Italian Open Clash After Medical Emergency Mid-Match A spectator collapsed in the upper stands of the Foro Italico during the semi-final match between Coco Gauff and Sorana Cirstea, prompting Gauff to act swiftly. Leading a set and a break, the American noticed the commotion in the crowd before anyone else on court had realized. She immediately alerted the chair umpire, Marija Cicak, who called for medical assistance over her walkie-talkie. “This is Marija from Center Court. It’s upper level on the right side, we need a doctor,” Cicak said before descending from her chair and informing both players of the situation. Play was paused for several minutes as medical staff attended to the spectator. When the match resumed, Gauff did not let the interruption disrupt her focus, ultimately securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory to reach Saturday’s final. The stadium’s upper-level seating was described as very steep, complicating the medics’ ability to reach the individual promptly. Sky Sports commentator Naomi Cavaday noted the challenge, stating, “It was actually Gauff who spotted it in the crowd, a commotion up there. This is a very steep stadium; it just takes some time.” Tim Henman, courtside, added, “The stadium is full at the top, so hopefully the person in question is okay, and they can get the medical attention as quickly as possible.” Players used the break to speak with their teams. Gauff was with the umpire in the stands, while Cirstea consulted her coaches.#coco_gauff #sorana_cirstea #foro_italico #marija_cicak #naomi_cavaday
Rennae Stubbs alerts Coco Gauff to the problem she could face later on in her career Coco Gauff faces potential long-term challenges in her tennis career, according to former six-time Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs, who has highlighted the risks of her recent playing style. Stubbs warned that Gauff’s tendency to engage in extended three-set matches could lead to physical complications as she ages, despite her current success at the Italian Open. The 19-year-old American, who has advanced to the semifinals, has already spent nearly nine hours on court during her four singles matches in Rome, significantly more than her semifinal opponents. Gauff’s path to the semifinals included a thrilling quarterfinal victory over Mirra Andreeva, where she came from behind to secure a win. This marked her third consecutive three-set match at the tournament, a trend Stubbs has cautioned could have lasting consequences. “Physically, right now she’s young,” Stubbs explained on her podcast. “She’s going to get away with this and bounce back, but when she gets to 28, 29, 30, 31, those matches start to take their toll on your body.” She emphasized that the cumulative stress of prolonged matches could lead to issues with knees, hips, and shoulders as Gauff ages. Stubbs also pointed to technical flaws in Gauff’s serve, noting that her grip position may be limiting her effectiveness. “If you watch where her hand is on her grip,” Stubbs said, “she has her finger up the grip like she’s pointing on the grip. I’m like, get that thing down so you can get a little more wrist action.” While Gauff is working with coach Gavin MacMillan, who has helped elevate Sabalenka’s serve, Stubbs believes refining this detail could further improve her game.#iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #italian_open #rennae_stubbs #gavin_macmillan
Italian Open 2026: Coco Gauff Overcomes Challenges to Defeat Iva Jovic Coco Gauff secured a hard-fought victory over American teenager Iva Jovic in the fourth round of the Italian Open, showcasing her resilience on clay. The world number four, preparing for her defense of the French Open title, faced a challenging match against Jovic, who had previously reached the Australian Open quarterfinals. Gauff, who had already overcome a set deficit against Argentina’s Solana Sierra in the previous round, fought back from a match point down to win 5-7, 7-5, 6-2. The match, played in difficult conditions with strong winds and the noise of fighter jets overhead, tested both players’ mental and physical endurance. Gauff’s win marked her second consecutive clay-court victory after a series of early exits in previous tournaments, including losses in the Stuttgart quarterfinals and Madrid last 16. Despite the victory, she acknowledged the need to elevate her performance to match her 2025 run to the Italian Open final, where she lost to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. “I’m just proud—Iva played really good tennis and the conditions weren’t the easiest. Everything was going on,” Gauff said after the match. She credited her team’s support for helping her stay mentally focused during the grueling contest. The match against Jovic was marred by disruptions, including a cut on Gauff’s finger from an earlier fall and Jovic’s struggles with her grip and forehand. Gauff capitalized on Jovic’s errors, particularly in the second set, where she turned the tide in her favor. Jovic, who had reached the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year, continued to hit loosely, with her first serve struggling to find its mark. The pair exchanged five breaks of serve before Gauff steadied herself to win the final three games.#jannik_sinner #iga_swiatek #coco_gauff #iva_jovic #italian_open_2026
Jessica Pegula Dominates Masarova to Reach Italian Open Fourth Round Jessica Pegula advanced to the fourth round of the Italian Open for the first time since the tournament expanded in 2023, defeating Czech player Rebeka Masarova 6-0, 6-0. The victory marked a historic moment for Pegula, as it was the first time she had ever won a match on the WTA Tour with such a dominant scoreline. Additionally, Pegula maintained her perfect record in the last three sets she has played, going undefeated in that span. The match was a decisive display of Pegula’s form, with Masarova unable to mount a challenge. Pegula’s performance was particularly notable given the context of her previous encounters with opponents. She reflected on the psychological aspect of the scoreline, recalling comments from fellow player Taylor Fritz, who had previously expressed skepticism about winning a first set 6-0. Fritz had argued that such a scoreline could allow opponents to relax, while he would tighten his focus to avoid further losses. Pegula acknowledged Fritz’s influence, stating, “I was like, I lost the first set 6-0, I just always have in my head Taylor Fritz saying that it’s the kiss of death.” She clarified that Fritz’s perspective applied specifically to the men’s tour, noting that the same scoreline in a three-out-of-five set format was not considered a “kiss of death.” Pegula emphasized the mental discipline required to avoid complacency, acknowledging the unpredictability of clay-court matches. “I was thinking for sure don’t get complacent,” Pegula said in her post-match press conference. “You know things can change really quickly. Sometimes the player frees up, took a bathroom break. Can’t get any worse. That’s why I think it’s a hard thing. It doesn’t happen, like, super often.#jessica_pegula #taylor_fritz #coco_gauff #anastasia_potapova #rebeka_masarova
School Exams to Rome Debut, Valentova Passes Both Tests Ahead of Gauff Rematch Tereza Valentova, the Czech teenager ranked within the top 50 in the PIF WTA Rankings, made her debut at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia after navigating a challenging academic schedule. Arriving in Rome just two days before her first-round match, she had to balance her tennis commitments with her high school graduation exams. The World No. 48 on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz had to pause her travel plans to complete her final exams in Prague, Czechia, arriving at the tournament grounds at 9 p.m. local time on Tuesday. “It was a little bit chaotic because I arrived at 9 p.m. yesterday, so I was doing exams [for graduation],” Valentova explained to reporters. Despite the tight schedule, Valentova secured her place in the second round with a decisive victory over Yulia Putintseva. The Czech player claimed a 6-3, 6-2 win, avenging her earlier loss to Putintseva in the Mutua Madrid Open. This win not only advanced her in the tournament but also set the stage for a high-stakes encounter with Coco Gauff, the 2025 Rome finalist and defending Roland Garros champion. The two players had last met at Roland Garros in 2025, where Gauff’s victory over Valentova contributed to her second Grand Slam title. Valentova’s path to the top 50 has been marked by her dual focus on academics and tennis. She is currently studying for her Czech secondary school diploma, requiring her to pass three exams: Czech literature, English, and economics. The exams, which she described as a “series of challenges,” have often been balanced with her tennis training. “I’ll hit the practice court before hitting the textbooks as part of my daily routine,” she noted.#coco_gauff #roland_garros #mutua_madrid_open #internazionali_bnl_ditalia #tereza_valentova
Madrid Open Quarterfinal Preview: Kostyuk Faces Noskova in High-Stakes Clash Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova will clash in the third quarter-final of the Madrid Open on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the women’s draw. Kostyuk, the Ukrainian player, advanced to the last eight after defeating Caty McNally in straight sets, while Noskova secured her place with a hard-fought victory over Coco Gauff. Both players have demonstrated resilience and tactical adaptability, setting the stage for a compelling matchup. Kostyuk, fresh off her first tournament win of 2026, enters the quarter-final with renewed confidence. Her performance against McNally showcased her strengths, as she won 61% of her first serves and converted six break point opportunities. This marks her second consecutive trip to the last eight of the Madrid Open, though she previously fell to Aryna Sabalenka in the same round. Kostyuk’s clay-court form has been impressive, reaching the quarter-finals or better in two of her last four singles events on the surface. Her 80% service game win rate in 2026, supported by a first-serve percentage exceeding 70%, underscores her consistency. Additionally, her ability to win over 45% of return points and rescue more than 60% of return points highlights her adaptability in critical moments. Noskova, the 13th-seeded Czech player, made a strong statement in her victory over Gauff. Despite facing seven double faults, she relied on her three break points to secure a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5) win. Her 72% first-serve success rate and ability to win the decisive tiebreak demonstrated her composure under pressure. This win extends her streak of advancing beyond the last 16 in three of her last four singles tournaments, including a notable victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Porsche Grand Prix earlier this year.#aryna_sabalenka #coco_gauff #linda_noskova #marta_kostyuk #madrid_open
