Coco Gauff Battles Through Serve Struggles to Win US Open First Round
Coco Gauff overcame a challenging performance at the US Open, securing a first-round victory against Ajla Tomljanović with a score of 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 after nearly three hours of play on Tuesday.
Despite struggles with her serve, the No. 3 seed demonstrated resilience under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights to advance to the next round. Gauff tallied ten double faults and was broken six times, missing several opportunities to conclude the match earlier.
Gauff initially seemed dominant, winning five of six games to claim the first set after an initial setback and twice holding a break advantage in the second. However, she faltered while serving for the match at 5-4 in the third, committing two double faults and several forehand errors, allowing Tomljanović to tie the score at 5-5.
The young American quickly recovered, breaking back immediately and securing the win on her second attempt with a decisive backhand, expressing relief and celebration to the crowd.
"It wasn't my best performance, but I'm glad to have pulled through," Gauff commented. "I had numerous opportunities and just had to trust that one would eventually work out for me."
Her serve remains a work in progress, even with recent changes to her coaching team, including the addition of biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan. Gauff has been a tour leader in double faults this season, and despite increased speeds later in the match, inconsistency remained a significant issue.
Tomljanović, ranked 79th, also had chances. The Australian committed 56 unforced errors and secured eight service breaks of her own. Her powerful forehand posed a threat at times but was ultimately too inconsistent to secure the upset.
Gauff will now face Croatia's Donna Vekić in the second round as she continues her journey in New York. The possibility of surpassing Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek to achieve the world No. 1 ranking for the first time remains within reach if she can make a significant run in the tournament.
