STUTTGART — Karolina Muchova broke through for a first win over Coco Gauff on Friday, eliminating the French Open champion in three sets in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart.
Muchova had never beaten world No 3 Gauff in six matches, including a loss in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, but prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart semifinals for the first time.
The 12th-ranked Muchova will face Elina Svitolina for a place in the final, AFP reported.
After ensuring Gauff exited the tournament in the quarter-finals for the third straight year, Muchova said she tried not to let the daunting record impact her preparation.
“It was a great fight. I’m just happy that I finally, finally beat her,” Muchova said.
“This was actually our first match on a clay court. On clay we were 0-0 in the matches – I tried to keep it positive.”
Earlier on Friday, fourth seed Svitolina moved past Czech Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to book her semifinal spot.
The in-form Ukrainian has now reached five semi-finals this season.
Svitolina told reporters she had re-discovered her fighting spirit after a difficult 2025.
“I had a really difficult end of last year, struggling a bit mentally,” Svitolina said. “I think my fighting spirit is back this year. I’m very pleased with that.”
