Coco Gauff fought off match points to defeat Elise Mertens 2-6, 7-6 (11-9), 6-3, and secure her spot in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals.
She struggled with her serve again and didn’t look comfortable for long stretches of the match.
Despite those issues, she hung in there, saving match points before coming through in the final set.
The match lasted two hours and 18 minutes, leaving many fans frustrated as they waited to see Alexandra Eala face Sorana Cirstea in the day’s final match.
Coco Gauff apologises to Alexandra Eala fans after Dubai win
“I know you guys are probably here for Alex [Eala], so I’m sorry to make you wait!” said Gauff.
“But if I’m not mistaken, I think some of you guys were cheering for me, so I appreciate it a lot.
“I hope you guys enjoy the next match, but thank you for cheering for me for now!
“The whole match, it wasn’t going my way. But I tried to stay in it. I fought for every point. I’m happy today that I was able to get the result, and I heard some cheers for me.
“There is an American flag over there!
“So I appreciate all the cheers; you kept me going, and thanks for the support.”
Eala’s chances of beating Cirstea seem slim on paper, but she’ll have nothing to lose against one of the form players on tour right now.
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