Coco Gauff explains what changed after slow start against Andreeva

Coco Gauff edged past Mirra Andreeva on Tuesday to book her third straight appearance in the Italian Open semi-finals.

Both players played some good tennis at Foro Italico, but it was Gauff who came out on top after two hours and 18 minutes.

She had to work for it, especially in the latter stages, but held firm to advance in three sets.

Speaking after her 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 win, Gauff praised Andreeva by saying she is a ‘great player’

Coco Gauff rates herself as a B+

“I thought I played pretty well today,” Gauff told Tennis Channel host Prakash Amritraj in the Italian capital.

“In some moments I maybe was a bit passive when I had the lead, but also she was giving me some unforced errors and then they started landing, which is normal.

“I have been in that position where you are down 5-1 or 5-2 and then you are like whatever, and all of a sudden you win a couple of points and it’s 5-4 and you’re like I have a chance!

“I think, for me, I played way better than I did in my last match, even though the result was the same, but I felt a lot better on the court today. So maybe a B+.”

Gauff’s serving performance stood out on Tuesday, especially considering her recent struggles with that aspect of her game.

The American hit two aces and committed just four double faults over three sets. However, she will likely look to improve her second serve heading into her semi-final match. She won only 38.5 per cent of those points.

Coco Gauff discusses upcoming match against Sorana Cirstea

Coco Gauff is set to face Sorana Cirstea in the Italian Open semi-finals, following the Romanian’s victory over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

At 36, Cirstea has already announced she will retire at the end of the season, even as she puts together one of her best years on tour.

“She is a great player and obviously it’s her last season,” Gauff said while speaking to the Tennis Channel. “So she is definitely playing with nothing to lose more so than ever.

“I am going to go out there and expect another tough battle. I will be ready for it and hopefully I can get through to the final.”

Gauff holds a 3-0 record against Cirstea, most recently defeating her at the Madrid Open in April. In that match, Gauff came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

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