Gauff quells Lys challenge to reach Beijing semi-finals

Coco Gauff put down a spirited challenge from 66th-ranked Eva Lys to earn a 6-3, 6-4 victory in Beijing yesterday and reach the China Open semifinals for a second successive year.

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Gauff, who is bidding to become the first woman to win back-to-back titles at the WTA 1000 event, had battled through three-setters in the previous two rounds and had to overcome stiff resistance from the German.

“I'm happy with how] played today. She's a tough opponent, she hit a couple of great shots on the run,’ Gauff said.