LONDON, July 7 – Coco Gauff advanced to the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time by defeating friend and former doubles partner Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in an all-American match on Centre Court.

The 22-year-old, seeded seventh and a two-time Grand Slam winner, initially struggled in the quarter-final, making 17 unforced errors and serving four double faults in the opening set. However, she regained control in the second set, halving her unforced errors despite facing two break points early on.

Gauff, who won the 2023 U.S. Open and 2025 French Open, took the lead for the first time in the final set by breaking Pegula’s serve. Pegula responded by breaking back to level at 3-3, but Gauff immediately broke again, held her serve, and clinched the match when Pegula returned a shot into the net at match point.

Gauff will face either Naomi Osaka or Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on her performance, Gauff said, "Considering how I hadn't won a match on grass in two years before this tournament, I'm definitely just really happy with how I played today."

She also noted the significance of the moment: "After seven years playing this tournament it's finally the first time I can walk on Centre Court and I didn't feel nervous."

Gauff acknowledged the challenge of playing Pegula, saying, "Jess is an incredible opponent and person and playing against her is never easy. I'm just happy to get through this one today."

She added, "I've been going three sets almost every match so I feel like when you have that faith in yourself as a competitor, when the match goes the distance and you lose one set, you're not panicking."

Sources: Channel News Asia