Gauff ended up winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 after being 6-4, 4-2 down against the No.8 seed and having faced a break point for 5-2. For the 16-year-old who is in her second WTA semi-final, it was all about showing her fight and resolve in a tough position.

"I'm always going to fight, no matter what, and try my best, no matter the score," Gauff said after the match.

"The biggest thing was mentality. Even though I wasn't playing the way I would've liked, I think staying strong and positive definitely kept me in the match today.

"The more matches I have, the more experience I get. The more different types of playing styles that I get to play against, the more I'll get used to that kind of style and how to approach the match.

"I would say I've exceeded my expectations, not so much the result but playing-wise. Getting as many matches as I can is the goal right now... I like playing under pressure and pressure is a privilege.

"I just enjoy it, and the tough matches are what make tennis fun, so I try my best to just rise to the occasion."

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