Tunisian Ons Jabeur continued her excellent start to the clay court season by defeating American teenager Coco Gauff on Friday to advance to the Charleston Open semifinals.

Jabeur outclassed Gauff in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 in just over an hour to advance to her first semifinal of the year.

The world number 28 was in imperious form hitting four aces, converting six out of nine break points and only committing one double fault, compared to Gauff's 13.

Though Gauff fought valiantly, Jabeur won the match converting her third match point in the second set to move into the last four where she will face Danka Kovinic of Montenegro later on Saturday.

Despite being the match favorite, Jabeur will be wary of the threat posed by Kovinic who reached the semifinals by dispatching two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova and 11th seed Yulia Putintseva.

(With input from agencies)