Gauff overpowers Tunisia’s Jabeur to reach French Open semis

American third seed Coco Gauff fought back to beat fan-favourite Ons Jabeur 4-6 6-2 6-3 on Tuesday and become the first player to reach the French Open semi-finals.

Jabeur was roared on by a Tunisian contingent on Court Philippe-Chatrier as Gauff dropped the opening set, but the American grew in confidence in the second and stamped her authority in the third to reach the semis for the second time.

“She’s a tough opponent, she’s well loved on tour and I could tell by the crowd today. I know you guys wanted her to win,” reigning U.S. Open champion Gauff said.

“Honestly, whenever she’s not playing, I cheer for her too. So thank you guys for making it a good atmosphere. I like playing in environments like this.

“Even when I lost the first set and they were chanting when I was in the bathroom, I was like, ‘This is just really fun’, win or lose.”