French Open champion Coco Gauff is back in another final, but her road there was anything but smooth. The 21-year-old American overcame a streaky performance to defeat Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3 and book her first final appearance since lifting the trophy at Roland Garros in June.

The contest was far from straightforward. Both players struggled to hold serve in a match that saw an astonishing 11 consecutive service breaks. Gauff’s usually powerful delivery faltered at key moments she was broken five times and committed seven double faults.

Paolini pushed hard, but Gauff found a way to close the door each time her opponent threatened a comeback. Though her performance wasn’t her cleanest, Gauff’s ability to recover and keep her composure under pressure showed just how far she has come since her breakout season.

With the win, she now turns her focus to the Wuhan final.