Post by : Meena Ariff

Defending US Open champion Coco Gauff had a rough start to her title defense, but managed to edge past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in a tense and dramatic opening-round clash. The American star, seeded third, needed almost three hours to win the battle 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5 at Flushing Meadows.

The night match was filled with mistakes, long rallies, and pressure moments, but in the end, Gauff’s determination saw her through to the second round.

Gauff Struggles With Errors

It was far from her best performance. Gauff committed 59 unforced errors and produced 10 double faults. She was also broken six times on her serve, showing that her service game still needs work.

Despite her struggles, the 21-year-old showed grit, refusing to give in even when the match slipped into a deciding set. Speaking after the victory, she admitted she was not happy with her overall play:

“It was a tough match. Ajla was tough; she was getting so many balls back. It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to get through to the next round.”

Tomljanovic Fights Hard

Her opponent, Ajla Tomljanovic, did not make things easy. The Australian also struggled with her own mistakes, finishing with 56 unforced errors and eight service breaks. But she kept pushing Gauff to the limit, forcing a second-set tiebreak and taking the match into a thrilling final set.

Tomljanovic fought bravely but fell short in the closing stages, allowing Gauff to hold her nerve and cross the finish line.

Coaching Changes and Preparation

Coming into the US Open, Gauff had made last-minute changes to her coaching team. The shake-up was aimed at fixing her shaky serve, a problem that has haunted her in recent months.

However, her performance in this match showed that the issue is still not fully solved. If she wants to repeat her 2023 triumph and make another deep run in New York, she will need to cut down on the errors and improve her consistency.

Mentally Draining Journey

Gauff admitted that the build-up to the US Open has been stressful and mentally tiring.

“Honestly, it’s been really tough, mentally exhausting. But I’m trying. It wasn’t the best today, but it was an improvement on last week in Cincinnati. I’m just trying to improve with each match.”

Her honesty shows that while she is still finding her rhythm, she is determined to fight through the challenges.

What’s Next for Gauff

The American now moves on to the second round, where she will face Croatia’s Donna Vekic. Vekic is known for her aggressive game and could prove to be a dangerous opponent if Gauff repeats her error-filled play.

Still, with the support of the home crowd and her fighting spirit, Gauff will look to raise her level as the tournament goes on.

Fans’ Expectations

As one of the rising stars of women’s tennis, Coco Gauff carries big expectations from fans and the tennis world. Her win in New York last year made her a household name, and many are eager to see if she can defend her crown.