Martina Trevisan refused to let an error on a first match point on Tuesday prevent her from eventually finding a place in her first Grand Slam semi-final.
The Italian who came to the French Open after lifting a breakthrough trophy the week before in Rabat, added another career first as she reached the final four here with a 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3 over Leylah Fernandez
The Canadian who finished runner-up last season at the US Open to Emma Raducanu suffered what officials described as a foot injury and did not come to media “on the advice of the medical team.”
Trevisan will bid for the Saturday final at Roland Garros when she faces American teenager Coco Gauff, who beat compatriot and finalist here four years ago Sloane Stephens 7-5, 6-2.
The 59th-ranked Trevisan had a match point annulled by Fernandez while leading 5-4 in the second set.
It took another set to get the win sorted after more than two and a quarter hours and seven breaks of her flagging opponent.
“There were a lot of emotions, because I was playing my quarter-final,” the winner said.
“It was very difficult to close the match. I accepted the situation and I looked forward, so I’m here in the semi-f inals – I did it.”
The 28-year-old Italian named after former great Martina Navravilova added:
“I I don’t feel pressure for the name. I’m playing very well. I played a lot of matches.
“I think I’m playing my best of tennis, but it could be better. I’m looking forward what there is in the future.
Gauff was able to pounce on Stephens’ lack of success on clay, with the 2017 US Open winner coming to Paris with a 0-4 record on the surface this season.
Despite her defeat, Stephens owns 32 win at Roland Garros, her career best at any Slam.
Gauff has been on point during the event, not dropping a set and never spending more than 90 minutes in any match here.
The 18-year-old ranked 23rd was playing her second consecutive Paris quarter-final and also avenged a previous loss to Stephens from last year’s US Open.
Gauff established early superiority with a 3-0 lead in the first set and gained 5-2 advantage before Stephens mounted a fightback for 5-all which ultimately fell just short as she lost serve while trailing 5-6.
The second set was a disaster for the 29-year-old as she was broken four times.
Main photo:- Martina Trevisan wins quarter final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
