If you can dodge a tennis ball, you're into the semifinals 😂 @CocoGauff slides her way into the semifinals after defeating Zheng 7-6(4), 6-1. She will face Swiatek for a spot in the final. #IBI24
(VIDEO) Think fast: Coco Gauff leaps and dodges errant shot from Qinwen Zheng in dodgeball style match point at Rome Open
WTAWednesday, 15 May 2024 at 09:11
Coco Gauff had to think fast in a dodgeball type move as she reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Rome Open. The American showed lightning quick athleticism as she just about avoided the errant shot at Qinwen Zheng to seal the win.
Claiming it 7-6, 6-1 to book her spot in the semi-finals in Rome. Serving at 40-30, 5-1 in the second set, the American hit a shot which should've been an easy winner for her opponent. However a mishit spelt danger as it was sent straight into Gauff's path.
If she avoided touching the ball, she would win the match technically and she fell to the ground upon landing and raised her arms aloft as a result. True skill from the 20-year-old. She will need some skill though next up as she faces a certain Iga Swiatek who has won nine out of 10 of their clashes. Gauff has yet to pose a real threat to Swiatek on clay. Given the performance so far of Swiatek this tournament, it is unlikely that she will this time either.
The other half of the semi-finals are on the agenda later today with Danielle Collins to face Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko will take on Aryna Sabalenka in the main highlights on Wednesday.
"Oh 100 percent [it was going to hit me]. I saw the ball and it came off her racquet so fast. I was completely running the other direction. I just tried to move out of the way because that would have been such a bad way to not win a match point. But I'm glad I didn't get hit," Coco Gauff said in her post-match interview.
"I was trying to make it clear that I didn't touch the ball. But I feel like as fast as it was going, it would have been obvious if I touched it," she added.
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