Sara Bejlek upsets Madison Keys to set up Coco Gauff Cincinnati semi
Unseeded Czech Sara Bejlek has stunned American Madison Keys to reach her first WTA 1000 semi-final at the Cincinnati Open, setting up a clash with fourth seed Coco Gauff.
The 20-year-old fought back from a set down to secure a dramatic 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory in two hours and 37 minutes.
Her impressive run to the last four includes remarkable victories over world number one Aryna Sabalenka and reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Seeking her second title of the year following February’s triumph in Abu Dhabi, the world number 35 showed immense resilience against her experienced opponent.
Bejlek overcomes significant deficit
The rising prodigy trailed 3-1 in the second set before winning five of the next six games to force a decider.
She then demonstrated remarkable composure to recover from a 4-2 deficit in the final-set tie-break.
“We had a kind of big talk with my team a couple of weeks ago, and since that moment I feel that it’s going quite well,” Bejlek said.
“I’m getting better in believing in myself and improving also physically on the court.”
Gauff reaps rewards from aggressive net play
Meanwhile, Gauff comfortably dispatched Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-2 6-2 to secure her third consecutive semi-final appearance.
The American is enjoying a deep tournament run following recent semi-final defeats at Wimbledon and the Canadian Open.
Adopting a more aggressive tactical approach, the fourth seed attributed her recent success to advice from tennis legend Chris Evert.
“I didn’t realize how good I was at it until Wimbledon,” Gauff explained.
“Everyone has been telling me to come to the net more. Actually, Chris Evert has been texting me sometimes to come to the net more.”
“And I tell her yeah, I’m going to, and then I just don’t. I finally did at Wimbledon and I won so many points that way.”
“And obviously here, there’s just a big difference when you’re able to finish the point at the net.”
Crucial preparation for New York
Both players will use this high-stakes encounter as vital preparation ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.
The US Open gets underway in New York on 30 August.