Down a set and 4-2, the 20-year-old reached her first final since January.

Coco Gauff faced a challenging semifinal at the China Open on Saturday, where she was on the verge of elimination against Paula Badosa. However, a pivotal shift in Gauff’s gameplay, marked by more assertive play, coincided with a sudden dip in Badosa’s performance.

Gauff, the No. 4 seed, managed to turn the match around, ultimately securing a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory. This triumph marks Gauff’s first final appearance of the season, following her title defense in Auckland to begin 2024.

“I always grew up on the philosophy that the second set is the most important set, which it is because you either win the match or you stay in the match with that set,” Gauff told press.  “I’d rather be able to raise my level in the second set than kind of crash after the first.”

In the opening set, Coco Gauff faced a tough challenge as Paula Badosa showcased her resilience while Gauff struggled to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Badosa successfully saved 10 break points, including seven during a grueling eighth game, before Gauff finally managed to break serve. On the tenth deuce, Gauff executed an impressive drop shot and demonstrated her defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to win the marathon 26-point game.

However, Gauff’s momentum was short-lived. Badosa quickly broke back, taking advantage of a wide backhand from Gauff. A forehand error from the American sealed the topsy-turvy set in favor of Badosa.

In the second set, Badosa gained an early advantage with a well-placed forehand passing shot that Gauff couldn’t return. Despite struggling with her first serve, the 2023 US Open champion fought off four break points, showcasing her determination by hitting a series of clean winners to hold serve at 2-3. Gauff’s resilience began to shine through as she aimed to regain control of the match.

Paula Badosa had a golden opportunity to seize control of the match, but it slipped away when she was broken while serving at 4-3. Gauff seized the moment, displaying increased aggression and breaking Badosa on her first opportunity. After holding serve with an ace to make it 5-4, Badosa faltered, committing three consecutive unforced errors that left her facing three set points, all of which she couldn’t save.

With renewed confidence, Gauff unleashed a remarkable run, winning 18 out of 20 points. Although Badosa managed to break Gauff’s momentum temporarily, she quickly gave it away with a poorly executed forehand. Unable to pressure the 20-year-old into a final service game, Badosa watched her last forehand sail long.

This victory leveled Gauff’s head-to-head record with Badosa at 3-3, and she has now won both encounters this season, including a match in the fourth round at Rome. Gauff is aiming to secure her second WTA 1000 title, having previously triumphed in Cincinnati in 2023. She now awaits the winner of the match between fifth seed Zheng Qinwen and Czech player Karolina Muchova.