Coco Gauff defeated Mirra Andreeva, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.
Neither player deserved to lose, as the two youngsters delivered something truly special at the Foro Italico.
Was Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva the best women’s match of the year so far?
An instant classic in Rome!
Gauff fought back from a set down before Andreeva produced a fightback of her own in the final set.
But despite the world number seven’s best efforts, it was Gauff who secured her spot in the final four.
Coco Gauff ‘glad’ to beat Mirra Andreeva as she looks ahead to semi-final vs Sorana Cirstea
During her post-match interview, Gauff was asked what she was most proud of after beating Andreeva.
“Just trying to stay here mentally again,” she said.
“Obviously, I had a big lead in the third set, and it got a little bit close.
Coco Gauff vs Mirra Andreeva – Match stats
| Stats | Coco Gauff | Mirra Andreeva |
| Aces | 2 | 3 |
| Double faults | 4 | 6 |
| 1st Serve % | 72% | 66% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 61% | 52% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 45% | 57% |
| Break points | 7/17 | 5/12 |
“But I mean, she‘s a great player, she’s capable of winning games.
“I think I learned a little bit, but I’m glad I was able to win.
“I don’t know how many match points it was.”
Not for the first time this week, Gauff fought back from a set down to advance.
Coco Gauff at the 2026 Italian Open
- 2026 Italian Open 2R [WIN] vs Tereza Valentova, 6-3, 6-4
- 2026 Italian Open 3R [WIN] vs Solana Sierra, 5-7, 6-0, 6-4
- 2026 Italian Open 4R [WIN] vs Iva Jovic, 5-7, 7-5, 6-2
- 2026 Italian Open QF [WIN] vs Mirra Andreeva, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4
Gauff has been making life difficult for herself, but continues to win, and can now look ahead to a semi-final clash with Sorana Cirstea.
“Sorana is a tough player, we played each other last tournament, and it was three sets,” she said.
- 2026 Madrid Open 3R – Coco Gauff defeated Sorana Cirstea, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1
“I think it’s going to be another tough match, but I’m grateful to be into the semi-finals.”
During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, former British tennis star Annabel Croft delivered her verdict on Gauff and Andreeva’s quarter-final classic.
“How much did she earn that? My goodness, she was made to work so hard, put through the wringer a little bit to get that win tonight, but you have to admire her resilience, her character, how she withstood the barrage that was coming at her,” said Croft.
“She’s just such a good match player, fights so hard, moves so beautifully.
“Okay, I thought she was more passive towards the end of the match, but sometimes defence is worth a treat.
“What a brilliant match.
“I think that’s one of the best matches I’ve seen all year, in terms of the intrigue, the tactics, the tennis, the way the points were played, I mean, we were really treated to a little bit of everything, it was very special.”
What did Sorana Cirstea say after winning her semi-final match?
Gauff’s semi-final opponent, Cirstea, defeated Jelena Ostapenko in her quarter-final.
After the match, she said the following during an interview with Sky Sports.
“I am trying to be a bit more calm on court and not think so much about the score and result, just about the logic of the game. I would say, just a bit of maturity in the game,” said Cirstea.
“But coming out a bit and putting it in perspective, it’s an amazing week. I am delighted about what is happening. All these memories I am creating are going to stay with me for the rest of my life. I am so thankful to the sport of tennis.
“I absolutely love the sport. I have so much passion for it. I started when I was four years old, and I didn’t see tennis the way I am seeing it now, at the beginning of my career, maybe when I was 25 or 26.
“I absolutely love the sport and I want to give back so much, because I feel this sport has taught me so many things for life. I am so grateful for everything. I love to play tennis and be in front of the fans, this is why I am still playing and still competing.”
It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious when Gauff and Cirstea battle it out for a place in the Madrid Open final later this week.
