Coco Gauff squanders match point as Wimbledon run ends in semifinal defeat to Karolina Muchova

CENTRE COURT, WIMBLEDON — Coco Gauff came within a point of reaching her maiden Wimbledon final but fell just short to world No.9 Karolina Muchova.

The Czech, also playing a Wimbledon semifinal for the first time, had to save match point in a stunning final set tiebreak to clinch a 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10).

A thrilling match on Centre Court saw Gauff bidding to reach a fourth grand slam final and despite boasting the most three-set wins on Tour this season, the 22-year-old came up against a defiant Muchova who caused her plenty of problems throughout.

The two-time grand slam champion has struggled to get going in the early stages of her matches so far; losing the first set in her last two matches and being broken in the very first game. It was a case of déjà vu once again in her semifinal, broken in just her second service game as she battled to find her early groove.

Muchova also faced two early break points of her own but showed no sign of nerves to hold and pile some extra pressure on Gauff; and it was working. The American was soon 4-1 down after a double break as Muchova proved too difficult to handle.

In the sixth game, Muchova was 0-40 down but won the next five points in defiant style. Gauff may have already known at this point she was going to be playing three sets for the fifth time this fortnight if she was to emerge victorious. As we reached the 39th minute, Muchova drilled an ace out wide to close the first set 6-2 and leave Gauff heading for a quick comfort break and no doubt a stern word with herself following 12 unforced errors.

Muchova was not playing like a player who was making her debut on Centre Court. Saving an early break point in the second set, she continued to rely on her hard-hitting forehands and athleticism at the net to carry her through. Gauff's serves were getting better though; a first hold to love put her 2-1 up.

In the fourth game, Gauff had three break points and finally she took one. A double backhand winner cross-court prompted jubilant celebrations from her box. She followed up with a decent hold and if it wasn't already clear to her by that point, the crowd were well on her side as she made it 4-1.

The double break came and Gauff had all the momentum as she served for the second set; holding to love and closing out to take it 6-1. Muchova's level hadn't dropped off at all; it was just Gauff's had improved significantly and we finally had a match worthy of a women's semifinal.

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At the end of the second set it was the Czech who this time took a quick stroll off court to reset. It seemed to do the trick as she held to love and to 15 in her first two service games. Gauff did the same; albeit for having to save two break points in the process.

Muchova was playing the better tennis midway through the final set but Gauff's champion mentality coupled with some of the best net and volley play she's showcased this tournament were keeping her in it as we headed towards a tense conclusion.

After two and a quarter hours in 30 degree heat in a real endurance test, a 10-point tiebreak seemed like the only fitting way to separate these two. It was a tiebreak that had it all; a Muchova diving volley and a time violation; and the simplest of sliced forehands missed at match point for Gauff for added drama.

Muchova set up match point of her own with a delightful lob and the American saved the first. But she could do little to save the second at 11-10 and it'll be Muchova who now faces Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the final on Saturday.