US Open 2023: Coco Gauff one win away from becoming Grand Slam champion
The 19-year-old American beats Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-5 in the semi-finals to reach her first title match at Flushing Meadows.
Tennis
Coco Gauff overcame Karolina Muchova and a 49-minute delay forced by protestors to advance to the US Open final on Thursday (7 September).
Gauff, 19, defeated Muchova in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 in a match interrupted by four environmental activists who disrupted play from the stands with one of them gluing his feet to the concrete floor.
At 19 years and 180 days, the American is the youngest US Open finalist from her country since Serena Williams in 2001 and now one victory away from her maiden Grand Slam championship.
"Watching this tournament so much, it means a lot to be in the final, a lot to celebrate," Gauff said. "But you know, the job is not done so hopefully you guys can back me on Saturday."
Gauff was up 1-0 in the second set when the protestors were removed and taken into police custody. Once competition resumed, it took a while for her to close out the win, Gauff needing six match points to seal the deal.
Saturday's final will be Gauff's second at a Grand Slam following last year's French Open. She will face second-seed and Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka who ousted **Madison Keys **0-6, 7-6, (7-1),7-6 (10-5).