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Coco Gauff overcomes Belinda Bencic to reach first Miami Open semi final, to face Karolina Muchova who beat Victoria Mboko as both chase a Miami final spot.
Coco Gauff at the Miami Open (AP)
Coco Gauff battled past Belinda Bencic to reach the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time on Tuesday, grinding out a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory.
The fourth seed had considered skipping Miami after being forced to withdraw from her fourth-round match at Indian Wells with a left-arm injury.
But the 22-year-old Floridian, who lives in nearby Delray Beach, was determined to compete in what she considers her hometown tournament, where she had never previously progressed beyond the last 16.
Gauff’s determination was on full display on the main court at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday as she rode out fluctuating form against 12th seed Bencic to secure the win.
“I honestly didn’t think I would be in the semis, so I’m really happy and proud of myself,” Gauff said.
“I think I proved a lot to myself this week, and I feel like with each match I’m getting better.
“Even though I’m still playing three sets, I feel like the level is getting better and better.”
Gauff, the French Open champion, will now face Czech 13th seed Karolina Muchova in the last four as she chases her first appearance in a Miami final.
Gauff has won all five of her previous matches against Muchova.
“You don’t think about the head-to-head,” Gauff said.
“There are so many matches that we play that could go either way. I don’t really think about it – especially when I play here, because I know how good she is.”
Karolina Muchova Gets Better Of Victoria Mboko
Muchova had earlier reached the semi-finals with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Canadian 10th seed Victoria Mboko.
The 29-year-old Muchova admitted she has everything to prove against Gauff.
“I don’t have the best record against Coco, but I feel good,” Muchova said. “And you never know.”
Despite being 10 years older than the teenaged Mboko, Muchova said she did not feel at any disadvantage against her younger opponent.
“I keep getting these questions this week like I’m really old or something,” Muchova said.
“I don’t feel that old — I feel like I’m still pretty young. In my head, I could be 20.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 25, 2026, 08:25 IST
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