The highly-anticipated US Open semi-finals are getting underway today, Thursday, September 7, with WTA stars Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova facing off on Arthur Ashe in our first preview.

For both of these players, a first title at Flushing Meadows is at stake, and it would also be their maiden Grand Slam victory. First, though, they will have to make the final.

This is also sixth seed Gauff and tenth seed Muchova's first US Open semi-final, although they both have experience being this deep in a Slam as they reached the final of the French Open in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

So far, home favorite Gauff has been living up to the hype she has received from the media and fans alike, ousting fellow teen sensation Mirra Andreeva, 32nd seed Elise Mertens, and former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki on her way to the quarter-finals.

Once she was there, the 19-year-old dominated her match against twentieth seed Jelena Ostapenko, who had defeated the defending champion Iga Swiatek in her previous round. Nevertheless, the American flew past her opponent in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Muchova ousted her quarter-final opponent with ease, winning the clash with thirtieth seed Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3. The only player that she has dropped a set against in the tournament so far was Xinyu Wang in the third round, but the Czech player came back to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

This semi-final will serve as a re-match of their meeting in the Cincinnati Open final a few weeks ago. Although Gauff won the title in straight sets, Muchova has shown the strength of her ability throughout this tournament, and will no doubt be looking for revenge.

The 27-year-old's skill of incorporating a variety of shots into her game will be a useful tool against the American. However, Gauff's court coverage is one of the best, meaning she usually has an answer to everything, and this could prove to be challenging and frustrating for Muchova.

Moreover, Gauff's consistency and momentum from a successful North American swing, where she won both the WTA 500 DC Open and the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, has likely given her a lot of confidence going into this match and could give her the edge. Nevertheless, it will probably be a close one.

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in three sets.