Marta KOSTYUK grinds through thrilling battle against Coco GAUFF to reach Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Semifinals

Marta Kostyuk (No. 27) defeated Coco Gauff (No. 3) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 to advance to the semifinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The American will face Marketa Vondrousova (No. 7) for a spot in the final.

The start favored Gauff, who broke early in the match to take a 2-0 lead. Kostyuk returned the break to level the score at 2-2, constantly looking to play off her backhand and shorten the points before equalizing. Neither found much consistency on serve, and after some exchanged breaks, Gauff sealed the set in her favor 6-3.

Both were effective in their return opportunities, capitalizing on five out of seven break points played between them, with Gauff converting three and Kostyuk two. The Ukrainian had a first-serve percentage of just 33% compared to the American's 56%.

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In the second set, the early games were decided by details in lengthy exchanges. Kostyuk claimed two consecutive breaks, while Gauff secured three, taking the lead by successfully defending her serve for the first time in the sixth game. The Ukrainian, initially outmatched, began to challenge the 2023 US Open champion, producing her best shots and initiating a comeback by winning the next four games in a row to clinch the second set 6-4.

The third set was high tension, with Gauff saving a couple of break points against her before securing a crucial break in her favor in the fourth game, taking the lead 3-1. However, Kostyuk stayed in the match in good form and won the next three games consecutively.

With the score tied at 5-5, Gauff secured the crucial break and had the opportunity to serve for the match. However, Kostyuk fought back to level the break, sending the match into a tie-break, where she found her strength and clinched a remarkable victory 3-6, 6-4, 7-6.

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