Miami Open: Gauff reaches first semi-final, Sinner advances

American tennis star Coco Gauff has reached the semi-finals of the Miami Open for the first time after battling past Belinda Bencic in a three-set encounter.

The world number four recovered from a shaky second set to secure a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory, showing resilience and composure in the decisive moments to book her place in the last four.

Reflecting on her performance, Gauff said, “It was a tough match. It took a lot of running, some falls, but I’m really proud of how I fought. I think that’s been a theme of the week.”

She added that her ability to stay composed under pressure proved crucial, particularly in key moments of the contest.

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The victory also sees Gauff enter the record books as the youngest American to reach the Miami Open semi-finals since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2004.

Gauff will next face Karolína Muchová, who advanced after defeating Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 7-5, 7-6 (7-5). The American holds a perfect head-to-head record against Muchová and will be aiming to extend that run.

A place in the final could also boost Gauff’s ranking, with the 20-year-old projected to move up to third in the WTA standings if she progresses, overtaking Iga Świątek.

Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Talia Gibson and will face Jessica Pegula. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is also through and will take on Hailey Baptiste in another quarter-final clash.

In the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner progressed and is set to face Frances Tiafoe, while Tommy Paul will take on Arthur Fils. Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev is scheduled to battle Francisco Cerúndolo in another quarter-final fixture