Defending champion Coco Gauff powered past Germany’s Eva Lys in straight sets to book her place in a third successive China Open semi-final.
The world number three needed one hour and 28 minutes to wrap up a 6-3 6-4 victory, breaking Lys’ serve three times in the opening set.
“I’m happy with how I played. She’s a tough opponent and hit some incredible shots on the run, but I tried to stay aggressive and play good tennis,” said Gauff, the third seed and a two-time Grand Slam champion. “Staying confident in my game was key. I didn’t want to get too passive when I had the lead.”
The 21-year-old American, who has been refining her serve after inconsistency earlier this season, delivered 78% of her first serves in, a crucial factor in her win.
After exiting Wimbledon in the first round and falling to Naomi Osaka in the US Open fourth round following her French Open triumph, Gauff is now the highest-ranked player left in the tournament.
She will face fellow American Amanda Anisimova in the last four. Second seed Anisimova, this year’s Wimbledon and US Open runner-up, fought back from a set down to defeat Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-4, reaching her sixth semi-final of the season.
