Defending Champion Gauff Advances to China Open Semi-finals Facing Anisimova

Defending champion Coco Gauff advanced to her third consecutive China Open semi-final after a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Germany's Eva Lys in a match lasting one hour and 28 minutes. Despite Lys's strong performance and a first-ever top-10 win earlier in the tournament, Gauff maintained aggressive play and confidence, overcoming moments of pressure to close out the match. Gauff will face fellow American Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals; Anisimova rallied from a set down to defeat Italy's Jasmine Paolini 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-4 in nearly three hours, showcasing resilience by saving six break points in the deciding set. Both Gauff and Anisimova, ranked No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, are among the top contenders at the tournament, which is missing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka due to injury. Gauff aims to be the first woman to win back-to-back titles at the WTA 1000 event, while Anisimova, who was a US Open finalist last month, is playing with an ankle bandage but remains a formidable opponent. The semifinal clash between these two Americans promises a high-stakes battle for a place in the China Open final.