World number four Coco Gauff has admitted she sometimes struggles with impostor syndrome after booking her place in the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time, following a victory over Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

The 22-year-old defeated Bencic 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the last four, finally going beyond the fourth round after falling short in each of her previous six attempts at the tournament.

Her win also made her the youngest American to reach the women’s singles semi-finals in Miami since Serena Williams in 2004.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Gauff said: “I think sometimes I can get impostor syndrome.”

“Even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on court or during the warm-up, it doesn’t feel like me, and I’m like, ‘Oh, actually, you do have a good career,’” said Coco Gauff.

“But it doesn’t feel like that sometimes. When you’re working on things, especially with my serve, it can feel like I shouldn’t be where I am. But tennis doesn’t lie, the ball doesn’t lie, so I just have to believe in myself.”

The two-time Grand Slam champion also revealed that her coach has been working closely with her to help build her confidence.

“At moments, I believe in it, and other moments I don’t. I’m just trying to believe in it more,” she added.

Gauff will face Czech player Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals on Thursday, having won all five of their previous meetings.