Jasmine Paolini produced a superb fightback to defeat home favourite Coco Gauff 2–6, 6–4, 6–3 and reach the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters 1000.
Gauff, roared on by a partisan crowd, raced through the opening set in 39 minutes, twice breaking early and serving it out with authority. Paolini steadied in the second, turning a scrappy phase of five consecutive breaks to her advantage and levelling the match with sharper returning and heavier depth off the forehand.
The Italian saved two break points to open the decider, then surged 2–0 and 3–1 before Gauff twice clawed back to parity. At 4–3, Paolini struck decisively, converting her second break point with a bold backhand drive and closing out the match at the first opportunity after creating three match points on serve.
The 29-year-old will face Veronika Kudermetova for a place in the final, after the Russian swept aside Varvara Gracheva 6–1, 6–2. In this form, and with a growing catalogue of big-stage wins this season, Paolini looks equipped to push deeper still.
