Coco Gauff Survives Marathon Match to Reach Dubai Semifinals

Coco Gauff produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of her career on Tuesday, rallying from two sets down to defeat world number two Aryna Sabalenka 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in an epic Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinal that lasted three hours and 17 minutes. The victory sends the 22-year-old American into her first Dubai semifinal and extends her winning streak to seven matches.

The match appeared to be heading toward a routine victory for Sabalenka after the Belarusian dominated the opening two sets with her trademark power game. Sabalenka was striking the ball with incredible pace and precision, winning 78% of her first serve points and converting four of her six break point opportunities in the early going.

However, Gauff showed the mental fortitude that has defined her young career by refusing to surrender. The 2023 US Open champion began to find her rhythm in the third set, using her exceptional court coverage and improved forehand to turn defense into attack. Gauff won 14 of the final 20 games of the match, showcasing the fighting spirit that has made her one of tennis most exciting young talents.

I just tried to stay positive and focus on one point at a time, Gauff said after the match. Aryna was playing incredible tennis in those first two sets, but I knew if I could hang in there and make her work for every point, I might get my chance. The crowd support here has been amazing, and that definitely helped me push through.

The turning point came midway through the fourth set when Gauff broke Sabalenka's serve with a stunning cross-court passing shot that had the Dubai crowd on their feet. From that moment, the momentum shifted completely as Sabalenka began to show signs of fatigue and frustration. The Belarusian committed 18 unforced errors in the final set alone as her usually reliable power game deserted her.

Gauff will now face either Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina in the semifinals, with both matches promising to be fascinating encounters. The American has shown remarkable consistency this season, reaching the semifinals or better in four of her five tournaments. With her improved serve and increasingly aggressive mindset, Gauff appears to be building toward another major breakthrough that could see her claim her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai.