By Erik Gudris | Thursday, May 5, 2016
19-year-old American qualifier Louisa Chirico continued her surprise run in Madrid as she beat Daria Gavrilova to reach the semifinals.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy
When opportunity knocked for 19-year-old Louisa Chirico in Madrid, she answered. Now the American qualifier finds herself in a WTA semfinal for the first time in her career.
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The American continued her impressive week in Madrid with a 7-6 (1), 6-2 win over Australia’s Daria Gavrilova. Now Chirico finds herself in contention for one of the biggest titles on tour.
“I am going to take it one match at a time. I play every match to win so hopefully I can keep going,” Chirico said when asked if she thinks she can win the title.
Chirico, who wasn’t originally even in the qualifying draw, took advantage of her chances in the main draw. Chirico, after upsetting Ana Ivanovic earlier in the week, found herself in the quarterfinals against Gavrilova. The Australian upset defending champion Petra Kvitova to reach the final eight.
"I can't really describe how I feel. Definitely excited," Chirico said. "I think my adrenaline is still going a little bit. Yeah, I'm very happy to get the win today. It was a tough match. I'm looking forward to my next match as well. Hopefully I can keep going."
Both women battled throughout the first set. Gavrilova fought off the lone break point against her and eventually a tiebreak was needed.
With solid defense, the World No. 130 ranked Chirico took hold of an early 3-0 lead in the tiebreaker and never looked back. Chirico went on to take the set 7-6 (1).
Gavrilova tried to make her move in the second set early as she held several break points in the second game. But Chirico would save both, one with her first ace, to level things at 1-all. Another back and forth game filled with long rallies finally went the way of the American.
Chirico hit a down the line forehand winner that just clipped the line. That gave her the break for 2-1.
Chirico backed up her solid serving with heavy hitting from both wings. Gavrilova tried to keep things close but then fell behind another break point at 4-2. A Chirico put away winner gave the American a 5-2 lead.
The final game would prove the toughest test for the American. Gavrilova picked up her game and threatened to break Chirico for the first time in the match. Chirico, from 15-40 down, forced things to deuce and then held her first match point. Gavrilova saved that, but Chirico would hold match point again.
Chirico closed out an extended rally with a smash winner to seal the 7-6 (1), 6-2 win.
Madrid is now the first WTA semifinal for the 19-year-old American. She’ll next face Dominika Cibulkova , who rallied past Sorana Cirstea, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.