Gauff battles past Keys to reach semi-finals

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

After defeating fellow American Madison Keys in the French Open semifinals, world number two Coco Gauff praised her “will to win.”

Gauff advanced to her third semi-final at Roland Garros by beating Court Phillippe Chatrier 6 (6) 6 6-4 6-1.

Although both players were far below their best, Gauff eventually found her rhythm in the third set before going on to dominate.

Gauff, age 21, responded to a question about her fighting spirit: “I think it’s just a love for winning and the will to win, and I’ve always had that in me, not just in tennis but in everything.” I have a very competitive personality.

My theory is that if I can just leave it all out there, the loss will be much less painful than regrets about not giving it your all.

Gauff hasn’t won any titles on clay this year, reaching back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome, respectively, against Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini.

Gauff and Keys traded early breaks, but Keys quickly regrouped as her rival continued to struggle, giving them a 4-1 lead.

Gauff’s accomplishment was that she fought back and held set point, but Australian Open champion Keys prevailed in the tie-break.

At a double break down, Keys found herself quickly on the back foot as a result of forced errors beginning to creep into the game in the second set.

However, Keys’ opponent equaled the lead with another break and a hold, just as Gauff did in the first set when she restored the advantage.

Gauff had already made nine double errors in the opening two sets, but Keys made the final six errors, compared to Gauff’s 41.

After finding her serve, Gauff raced through the decisive set, which ultimately proved to be the difference.

She said, “I’m very happy I made it,” and it wasn’t an easy match.

Keys is undoubtedly a very good player, and her forehand is probably one of the best, if not the best, on tour.

“I was aware that I just needed to run today. I knew I had to punish her for it as soon as the ball fell.

The 2023 US Open champion Gauff has defeated Keys three times before, and this is her first time doing so on clay.