World number two Coco Gauff praised her “will to win” after overcoming a sluggish start to defeat fellow American Madison Keys and book her spot in the French Open semi-finals.
Gauff rallied from a set down to win 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-1 under the closed roof of Court Philippe-Chatrier, advancing to her third career semi-final at Roland Garros.
Both players struggled to find consistency early on, but Gauff, 21, raised her level in the second set before dominating the decider. The match was filled with unforced errors—Keys tallying 60, compared to Gauff’s 41—but it was the younger American who ultimately found her rhythm when it mattered most.
“I think just a love to win, the will to win—I’ve always had that in me,” said Gauff. “Not just in tennis, but in everything. I’m a very competitive person.”
The 2023 US Open champion, who also won the French Open doubles title in 2024 with Katerina Siniakova, will now face world number 361 Lois Boisson, a French wildcard who stunned Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to reach the last four.
Despite nine double faults in the opening two sets, Gauff’s improved serving and mental resilience carried her through the match. Keys had taken control early, going up 4-1 in the first set and eventually claiming the tie-break. But Gauff dug in and slowly turned the tide.
In the second set, Gauff jumped to a double break, only to see Keys fight back, before eventually leveling the match with a decisive break and hold. By the third set, it was Gauff who controlled the tempo, finishing off the match with a dominant 6-1 set.
“It wasn’t an easy match and I’m very happy to get through it,” Gauff said. “[Keys] is obviously a great player, and her forehand is probably one of the best, if not the best, on tour.”
This win marks Gauff’s third victory over Keys in six meetings and the first time she has defeated the 30-year-old on clay.
If Gauff advances past Boisson, she will face either defending champion Iga Swiatek or world number one Aryna Sabalenka in what would be her second French Open final appearance.
