In a performance that felt both historic and inevitable, Coco Gauff added another shining chapter to her burgeoning career at the Wuhan Open. With a commanding 6-3,6-0 win over the German star, Laura Siegemund, the 21-year-old American didn’t just secure another semi-final spot—she etched her name into tennis history, surpassing the legendary Williams sisters in one remarkable stat.

Coco Gauff grew up around tons of sports, but tennis stood out to her because of two very inspirational women. Guess who they were? Well, Gauff deeply respects both Serena and Venus Williams, crediting them for paving the way for her career and for inspiring her as a Black woman in tennis. For example, in March 2024, while talking about the impact on the community and where she took inspiration from, Gauff revealed, “I saw myself in Serena and Venus. And so it made me believe that I could do something. I am a product of the strong community — and the village it took to get me to where I am now.” From a rising star, she has now become a superstar in women’s tennis!

Currently ranked third in the world, Gauff already has ten singles titles in her career, and that also includes her two Grand Slam triumphs (the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open). Earlier this year, Coco Gauff became the youngest American woman to win the French Open title since Serena Williams (in 2002). So, after accomplishing this feat, she said that it “means a lot” to follow in Serena Williams‘ footsteps and lift the French Open title. And now, she has surpassed both Serena and Venus Williams by becoming the American with the most semifinal appearances at WTA 1000 events before turning 22. Since 1990, only Martina Hingis (33) and Maria Sharapova (15) have reached more Tier 1/WTA 1000 semi-finals before turning 22 than Gauff (12). The Williams sisters did it 11 times each.

Gauff will turn 22 on 13 March 2026, meaning she has still got a lot of time to match Sharapova. However, it will be impossible for her to touch Hingis’ astonishing record. But what makes Gauff’s achievement even more impressive is the manner in which she reached it. She is yet to drop a set in this tournament, and Gauff showed a level of poise and tactical intelligence that belies her age. Powerful serves, precise baseline strokes, and an uncanny ability to read her opponent’s game combined to produce a performance that seemed effortless yet deeply calculated.

If we take a look at her performances in the WTA 1000 events this season, her best results came in Madrid and Rome, where she reached the finals. But she felt one step short of a title triumph on both these occasions. Can she change her fortunes this time? Well, at first, she needs to win her SF match against the in-form Italian, Jasmine Paolini. But before setting things up for that blockbuster contest, let’s first take a look at what Gauff did say after securing a spot in the semis.

Coco Gauff shares her thoughts about her dominating performance against Laura Siegemund

Coco Gauff met expectations in her QF match against Laura Siegemund. It took her just 1 hour and 26 minutes to secure a spot in the semis. With this 6-3,6-0 margin, Gauff has now scored 20 sets 6-0/6-1 in 2025, and that’s the third consecutive season she has done that. Only two other players (Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek) have achieved this milestone in each of the past three seasons. 

For fans and analysts alike, this is a defining moment. It’s a statement that Gauff isn’t just another young talent—she’s a generational force, bridging the gap between the legends of the past and the champions of tomorrow. Now with every win, she continues to challenge the records set by those who inspired her. Quite extraordinary, isn’t it?

During her on-court interview, Coco Gauff showcased her satisfaction with her performance, saying, “I am happy with how I played today. She is a tricky player. Back to the semifinals, so I am happy to be back here in this position. I think I had chances in the first set to have a greater lead. I think I just capitalized on those chances more in the second set. No. I am just happy to be back in another round. Just enjoying my time and taking it one match at a time.”

Last year, she was knocked out in the SF by Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set thriller. Can she beat Paolini in the next match and secure her spot in the final for the very first time in Wuhan? Currently, the Italian has a 3-2 lead in their H2H record, and guess what? Paolini has won all three matches that they have played against each other this season. She will be entering this contest following a 6-1,6-2 triumph over the world number two, Iga Swiatek. So fasten your seatbelts for yet another action-packed tennis match in Wuhan.