Coco Gauff overcame serve issues to reach the second round of the US Open.
The Roland Garros winner has updated her coaching team ahead of the tournament, bringing in biomechanics specialist Gavin McMillan to help correct technical issues.
The American made 10 double faults under the Arthur Ashe Court floodlights but avoided a repeat of her Wimbledon career by beating Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4 6-7 (2) 7-5 in 2 hours 57 minutes.
“It's mentally draining, but I'm working on it,” Gauff said of her efforts to improve her serve. “It wasn't perfect today, but it worked in the decisive moments, like 30-30 in the final game. It's a step up.”
“A difficult match. There were opportunities to close the match earlier. Ayla showed tenacity, returning difficult balls. I am glad that I was able to go further. I believed that the key moments would play in my favor.”
The tournament's third seed squandered a 4-2 lead in the second set, allowing her opponent to take three games in a row. In the deciding set, with the score at 5-4, Gauff made two double faults in a row on her serve.
However, the athlete turned the tide of the match, converting her second match point with a spectacular left-handed shot along the line, securing herself a second-round match against Donna Vekic.
Iga Swiatek set a new Open Era record with a confident win over Emiliana Arango in the opening round.
The Wimbledon champion continued her winning streak, beating the Colombian 6-1 6-2. This victory was the 65th in a row for the Pole in the first match of the tournament, surpassing the achievement of Monica Seles.
The world number two is in dominant form, following her triumph in London with a win at the prestigious Cincinnati tournament, cementing her status as the leading contender for the title in New York.
The athlete reacted emotionally to the news of Taylor Swift's engagement, but noted the importance of a confident start at the US Open.
“The opening matches require adaptation. I'm glad I've managed to get used to the surface, which is different from the practice courts,” said the 2022 US Open champion, who is preparing for her match with Susan Lamens.
“I think it was a quality game, so it's nice to get a chance to keep fighting.”
Naomi Osaka, seeded at a major for the first time since maternity leave, beat Griet Minnen 6-3 6-4. Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova beat Kimberly Birrell 6-3 6-2.
Organizers announced the participation of Venus Williams, who showed a bright game in the first round against Karolina Muchova, in the doubles competition together with Leila Fernandez.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
