Gauff quells Lys challenge to set up China Open semi-final clash vs Anisimova

Coco Gauff put down a spirited challenge from Eva Lys to earn a 6-3 6-4 victory on Thursday and set up a China Open semi-final against fellow American Amanda Anisimova, who overcame a first-set stumble to beat Italy's Jasmine Paolini 6-7(4) 6-3 6-4.

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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 66th-ranked German.

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

"I think I need to stay confident in my game and not be too passive when I have the lead. I played one passive point in this match, but otherwise I played well."

It was a fast and furious start to the first set as both players fired off a string of winners and traded early breaks as the momentum swung wildly.

Following a run of five straight breaks of serve it was defending champion Gauff who finally seized control, taking a 5-3 lead when Lys sent a backhand wide and then consolidating to clinch the first set.