BEIJING – Defending champion Coco Gouf has reached China’s semi-finals for the third year in a row after beating heavily hit Eva Reese 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday.
The second seeded American was troubled by her serve and admitted a chance for seven breakpoints, but Lys, a German player looking for her first career WTA title, converted only three of them and dropped her own serve five times against the French Open Champion.
“She’s a tough opponent. She hit some incredible shots on the run,” said Gauff, who is seeking her 11th career title. “I tried my best to stay offensively. I’m still confident in my game and not too passive.”
Gauff’s semi-final opponents are either third seed Amanda Anisimova (wimbledon and the US Open runner-up), or number six Jasmine Paolini, who recently helped Italy defend the Billy Junking Cup successfully.
