Gauff recovers from first-set loss to qualify for first Wimbledon semifinals

Coco Gauff reached the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time on Tuesday after coming from a set down to defeat fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 at the All England Club. 

The 22-year-old had never previously advanced beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon, making the result all the more special in a tournament that has often proved difficult for her. 

After dropping the opening set, Gauff raised her level and gradually took control of the match, winning the final two sets to secure her place in the last four. 

It was the second consecutive match in which Gauff recovered from a set down, as she continues a strong run on grass. 

Her movement improved as the contest went on, while her shot selection became more effective as Pegula struggled to maintain the same level she produced in the first set. 

Gauff will now face Karolina Muchova, who also qualified for her first semifinal appearance, for a place in the Wimbledon final, with the American moving within two wins of her first title at Wimbledon and her third Grand Slam victory.

Earlier in the day, Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon campaign came to an end with a defeat to Muchova. 

The former world number one was unable to find a way past the Czech, who produced another composed performance to reach the semifinals.

Although Osaka fell short of the last four, the tournament still represented one of her strongest Wimbledon runs in recent years, with this quarterfinal exit being her best result. 

The four-time Grand Slam champion showed encouraging signs throughout the fortnight and looked increasingly comfortable on grass as the tournament progressed.

Muchova’s victory over Osaka set up her semifinal meeting with Gauff, ensuring that one of the two will reach the Wimbledon final on Saturday. 

On Wednesday, another set of semifinalists will emerge to take up the last two spots.