Key events

24m agoGauff wins the second set 6-1
1h agoMuchova wins the first set 6-2
2h agoCentre Court order of play (from 1.30pm BST)
3h agoPreamble

Third set: Muchova* 6-2, 1-6, 2-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)

The spectators applaud Muchova's delicate touch as she pulls Gauff across the court before striking a forehand cross-court winner. It stands at 15-all on Gauff's serve, then Muchova advances to finish a short ball. This marks the deepest progress Muchova has made on Gauff's serve since the middle of the second set. She capitalizes to reach 15-40 and two break points, the initial major opportunity in the deciding set. Gauff escapes with an uncertain drop shot on the first chance when Muchova slips. She handles the second more confidently with a strong serve that forces an error. Deuce follows. Advantage Gauff. Game Gauff after a loose error from Muchova.

Third set: Muchova 6-2, 1-6, 2-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Muchova appears dissatisfied with her racket tension amid the heat that speeds up the balls, yet she reaches 40-15 and secures the game as Gauff sends a backhand into the net. Gauff holds a 78 percent success rate in three-set grand slam matches, the highest among active players with over six victories.

Third set: Muchova* 6-2, 1-6, 1-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff surges ahead to 15-0, 30-0 and 40-0. She then falters to 40-30. Gauff appears set to close the game after lobbing Muchova for an easy smash, but sends it wide. Following the shift in the second set, might the contest swing back toward Muchova? Gauff displays remarkable speed and defense to reach advantage and holds when Muchova nets a return on a shaky drop shot. Muchova had a clear chance to improve.

Third set: Muchova 6-2, 1-6, 1-0 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

It is striking that Gauff, who fought back with her usual determination, had not secured a grass-court victory in two years before this event. Muchova had not won a Wimbledon match since 2021 despite prior quarter-final appearances. They now deliver a memorable semi-final, and Muchova opens the third set strongly with a love hold to show she will not yield easily.

Gauff wins the second set 6-1

The second set mirrors the first but with roles reversed as Gauff dominates. She races to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0 before claiming the game and set with a firm stare and fist pump. Gauff has now won four consecutive three-set matches at this Wimbledon and looks poised for a fifth. Muchova eats a banana during the changeover, with much to consider.

Second set: Muchova 6-2, 1-5 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Muchova's serve, normally a strength, dips below 50 percent first-serve accuracy as she drops points to trail 15-30. Gauff produces a sharp volley angle for the highlight reel. The score moves to 30-40 with Gauff threatening a double break, though she nets a forehand before executing another strong volley. On the second break point Gauff prevails to secure the break.

Second set: Muchova* 6-2, 1-4 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff extends control with a deuce hold, smashing for advantage before finishing with an ace. The momentum has shifted firmly to Gauff, who has consolidated the break.

Gauff breaks: Muchova 6-2, 1-3 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Gauff advances to 0-15, 0-30, 0-40 with added pace. She misses the first two break points but converts the third by chasing a drop shot and striking an angled backhand winner. Gauff celebrates loudly under the hot skies.

Second set: Muchova* 6-2, 1-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Muchova's coach Sven Groeneveld offers guidance, yet Gauff holds to love in her most straightforward service game of the match.

Second set: Muchova 6-2, 1-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Gauff overhits a forehand to trail 40-15. Muchova attempts serve-volley but nets the volley. A backhand slice error brings deuce. Gauff fights through to earn a break point but misses, allowing Muchova to hold.

Second set: Muchova* 6-2, 0-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff stays composed after earlier deficits in the tournament. She had faced two match points in round two and recovered from a set down in later rounds. Her serve secures the opening game with consecutive aces.

Muchova wins the first set 6-2

Gauff leads initially at the net but volleys into it. Muchova responds with a backhand winner and forces a Gauff error to reach set point, then closes with her first ace. Muchova's variety and break-point efficiency secure the set despite a low first-serve percentage. She cools off with an ice towel while Gauff leaves the court to regroup.

First set: Muchova* 5-2 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff serves to stay in the set. Muchova uses low slice to reach 15-all. Gauff responds to 40-15 but Muchova forces deuce with powerful shots. A strong rally sees Gauff volley forward for advantage, yet the game reaches deuce again before Gauff holds. It may prove too late for the set.

First set: Muchova 5-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Muchova falls 0-40 but recovers to deuce with winners and an error. She holds as Gauff commits her ninth unforced error. Muchova has converted two of four break points while Gauff has none from five.

Muchova breaks: Muchova* 4-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Muchova disguises a drop shot effectively to reach 15-40 for a double break. Gauff saves one but misses a smash on the second. Muchova maintains her strong form from the quarter-finals.

First set: Muchova 3-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Muchova faces break points at 15-40 but saves them with a volley and benefits from a long Gauff return. She holds after Gauff misses a forehand down the line.

Muchova breaks: Muchova* 2-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Muchova reaches 15-30 and benefits from a double fault to earn break points. Gauff saves one with a backhand but errs on a forehand to hand over the break.

First set: Muchova 1-1 Gauff* (*denotes next server)

Muchova uses drop shots and variety to hold to 15, targeting Gauff's forehand.

First set: Muchova* 0-1 Gauff (*denotes next server)

Gauff serves first and shows athleticism by chasing a drop shot for a backhand winner to hold comfortably.

Gauff leads their head-to-head 6-1, though none occurred on grass. Gauff excels at winning when not at her peak and has navigated three-setters here. She will need that resilience against Muchova's power and touch on grass, where Gauff's serve and forehand can falter while her backhand remains a weapon. The contrast of styles promises an engaging contest.

The players enter to a strong crowd reception in temperatures around 33C. Gauff wears headphones and maintains focus.

Gauff and Muchova prepare to enter Centre Court, evoking memories of Gauff's 2019 run as a 15-year-old and Muchova's connection to the late Jana Novotna, the 1998 champion.

Earlier today the top-seeded women's doubles pair Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend exited in the quarter-finals. Britain's Henry Patten and Finland's Harri Heliovaara contest the men's doubles semi-finals later, while Britain's Alfie Hewett advances in wheelchair singles.