How Coco Gauff survived Ajla Tomljanovic test in US Open first round

Former champion Coco Gauff survived a stern opening test at the US Open, edging past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday. The victory came in Gauff’s first Grand Slam match since parting ways with long-time mentor Matt Daly and bringing in biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to address service issues.

The 20-year-old American made a shaky start, dropping her first service game and scattering errors. She soon settled, however, firing an ace to lead 5-4 before breaking decisively to take the opening set.



The second set proved more complicated. Although Gauff surged to a 4-2 lead, Tomljanovic clawed back, saving two set points before dominating the tiebreak to level the match.


In the final set, Gauff’s nerves nearly cost her. Serving at 5-4, she produced consecutive double faults, allowing Tomljanovic a foothold. But the two-time Grand Slam winner steadied herself, breaking back to go 6-5 and sealing the contest with a crisp backhand winner to the delight of the New York crowd.


"There were chances for it to be a straight-set win, but it was tough," Gauff admitted. "She was getting so many balls back, standing on top of the baseline. It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to go through."

Despite the win, Gauff’s game showed signs of fragility. She finished with 59 unforced errors and 10 double faults, underlining the work still to be done with her new setup.

Looking ahead to her second-round clash with Paris Olympics silver medallist Donna Vekic, Gauff stressed she is focused on gradual progress. "It wasn’t the best today," she said, "but it came in when it mattered."