In a gripping quarterfinal clash, U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff displayed remarkable resilience to overcome Ukrainian world number 37 Marta Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2 at the Australian Open. The fourth-seeded American faced a stern test, prevailing after more than three hours of intense competition on Rod Laver Arena.
Despite an uncharacteristically subpar performance, Gauff’s determination and problem-solving skills came to the fore, earning her the hard-fought victory. The 17-year-old acknowledged the tough challenge posed by Kostyuk, stating, “Marta’s a tough opponent, every time we play it’s a tough match.”
Gauff, seeded fourth, secured her place in the semifinals by “Winning Ugly,” as famously coined by her coach Brad Gilbert. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff expressed pride in the fight she displayed, emphasizing her commitment to leaving everything on the court.
The quarterfinal clash was marked by a see-saw battle, with Kostyuk taking an early lead but Gauff staging a remarkable comeback to claim the first set. The second set saw both players trading breaks, leading to a tiebreak that Gauff won to take a one-set lead.
As the match progressed, Kostyuk’s ability to force a third set showcased her resilience. Despite Gauff’s initial challenges while serving for the match, she ultimately found her rhythm and secured the victory at the third time of asking.
Gauff, playing in her final Grand Slam as a teenager, now awaits the winner of the match between Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejcikova in the semifinals. The hard-fought win against Kostyuk adds another chapter to Gauff’s impressive young career, signaling her determination and competitive spirit on the Grand Slam stage.
