Coco Gauff says what she noticed Mirra Andreeva was doing differently compared to last time they played during their match in Rome

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Coco Gauff once again got the better of Mirra Andreeva as she moved into the Italian Open semi-finals.

The American reached the last four in Rome for a second successive year after beating the teenager 6-4, 7-6(5).

It was a compelling quarter-final between two of the WTA Tour’s top young stars, who showcased their all-court play and elite athleticism.

For the fourth successive match against Andreeva, Coco Gauff emerged victorious and she is now two wins away for a first WTA 1000 title on clay.

Coco Gauff explains what Mirra Andreeva did differently in Rome from their previous match

Having lost her previous three meetings against Gauff, Mirra Andreeva was determined to defeat the 21-year-old in Rome.

After losing a first set during which she made 20 unforced errors, the Russian decided to increase her aggression and attempt to take Gauff’s time away. 

This is something Gauff noticed and she mentioned it during her post-match press conference about her opponent, who also attempted several drop shots to vary her play, but to no avail as Gauff claimed a straight sets victory.

“I think she tried to be more aggressive today,” Gauff told reporters. “When you play someone so soon, it’s difficult I think because you know that they’re probably not going to play you the same as last time.

“You want to play the same because it worked for you. You know they’re expecting that. For me I think it was just trying to feel it out during the match.”

Coco Gauff says how she feels about her form on clay

Gauff’s victory against Andreeva was her ninth from her past 10 matches.

She struck 22 winners and won 67% of the points behind her second serve on the way to a straight sets win over the World number seven.

Gauff has revitalised her season on clay following some disappointing results after her Australian Open exit.

Her forehand and serve are looking more solid and the American has found her form at just the right time with the French Open around the corner.

“I’m really confident on clay. I think it’s a surface that works well for my game,” Gauff said about playing on clay.

“I would love to get a big title on clay just because I do love it. Yeah, I’m having a lot of confidence, but hoping to go even further.”