This is Gauff's fourth semifinal of 2025 and her first off clay since winning last year's WTA Finals Riyadh. She now owns a 14-1 career record in Beijing and has made at least the last four in each of her three appearances so far -- the first player to make three consecutive semifinals here since Jelena Jankovic in 2006-08, according to the WTA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The American is bidding to successfully defend a title for the second time in her career (following Auckland 2023-24) and will face either No. 3 seed Amanda Anisimova or No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tone of the match was set as early as the first point: a 16-stroke lung-buster in which Lys made her aggressive intentions clear but was denied by a terrific lob and forehand putaway by Gauff.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
No. 66-ranked Lys never wavered from her commitment to all-out attack. Her tally of 14 winners belied the amount of rallies in which Gauff was forced into error by Lys' relentless pace, frequently after exchanges of over 10 shots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tone of the match was set as early as the first point: a 16-stroke lung-buster in which Lys made her aggressive intentions clear but was denied by a terrific lob and forehand putaway by Gauff.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"She's a tough opponent; she hit some incredible shots on the run,\" said Gauff post-match. \"I was trying my best to stay aggressive. Just staying confident in my game and not being too passive when I have the lead.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n