Giorgi overpowers Gauff to reach semifinals in Montreal

Camila Giorgi put on a solid display Friday evening at the National Bank Open (Rogers Cup), outhitting 15th seed Coco Gauff to reach the semifinals of the event for the first time.

The World No.71 relied on her power and consistency to secure the 6-4 7-6(2) victory, overpowering Gauff from the baseline. Although both ladies displayed speed and have the ability to exchange punches with the biggest hitters on the WTA tour, it was the Italian who was more consistent as her deep groundstrokes seemed to trouble the American.

Although neither was particularly impressive on serve, it was Giorgi who obtained the crucial break early to claim the first set. The second set saw Gauff break acquire a 2-0 lead, which quickly evaporated as Giorgi immediately broke back. The unseeded Italian broke again to serve for the match, but Gauff rallied back as she saved two match points to ensure a tiebreak would follow.

The tiebreak saw the 17-year old obtain a minibreak to lead 2-0, but she was unable to handle Giorgi's power as the Italian hit deep, powerful groundstrokes that drew errors from the American's forehand. Employing this strategy, Giorgi won the next seven points to secure the victory, advancing after an hour and 40 minutes.

Giorgi will face the winner between 13th seed Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula, who are competing for the final semifinal spot.