Coco Gauff reels off final six games to defeat doubles partner Jessica Pegula in Eastbourne

When partners collide in singles, something has to give.

Coming into Thursday, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula had swiftly moved through to the doubles semifinals at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne. But just one would have the chance to achieve the same feat individually.

Gauff ultimately emerged as the winner, defeating the No. 3 seed, 6-3, 6-3. The victory sent the No. 5 seed through to her first semifinal since February when she advanced to the final four at the 1000-level event in Dubai.

The 19-year-old wiped away a break deficit in the second set to take the final six games of the contest. Gauff hit 13 winners to 18 unforced errors and broke the world No. 4 five times in the 68-minute victory.

“I didn’t want to lose the set, 6-0, to be honest. I was just trying to hold my serve in that 3-1 game,” Gauff said in her post-match interview after posting her first win over Pegula. “I know when Jess is playing well, it’s very hard to win games [against] her.”

The top-seeded duo were due to join forces again Friday to take on third-seeded Desirae Krawczyk and Demi Schuurs, before Pegula withdrew with a back injury. Asked about the difficulty in facing her teammate, Gauff said, “It’s not that difficult. It’s sport. Obviously on the court I wouldn’t say we hate each other, but we want to win. Off the court, we’re fine.

“I was talking with Jess a little bit before our match today. Nothing’s gonna change just because of a loss or a win.”

For a place in the singles final, Gauff will battle another countrywoman in Madison Keys.

The 2014 champion eased past Petra Martic, 6-4, 6-1, claiming 30 of her 39 first-serve points. Gauff leads their head-to-head series 2-1, with all of their prior meetings coming on outdoor hard courts.