Gauff overcomes tears and errors to beat Vekic at US Open, sets up Frech clash

Former U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff battled through tears and serving struggles before defeating Croatia’s Donna Vekic 7-6(5), 6-2 to advance to the third round of the Grand Slam on Thursday night.

The 2023 winner, still adjusting to a remodelled serve under new coach and biomechanist Gavin MacMillan, endured a tense evening under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Gauff broke down in tears after being broken in the ninth game of the first set, later practicing her serve during a medical timeout for Vekic. Despite a combined 16 double faults in the opener, Gauff steadied her delivery just enough to clinch the set in a tiebreak.

The American, who also laboured through her opening-round win over Ajla Tomljanovic, tightened up in the second set. Capitalising on errors from Vekic, she surged ahead with a double break to seal victory, avenging her third-round loss to the Croatian at the Paris Olympics last summer.

"I'm just happy to be back on this court and you guys bring me so much joy," Gauff told the home crowd, breaking down again after the win. "I'm doing this for myself but I'm also doing it for you. No matter how tough it gets inside, you can do it."

With American gymnastics star Simone Biles watching from the stands, Gauff admitted she drew inspiration from the 11-time Olympic medallist. Biles, who overcame the “twisties” mental block in Tokyo before winning three gold medals in Paris, served as motivation in Gauff’s toughest moments.

"I saw her and she helped me pull it out," Gauff said. "I was thinking 'If she can go on a six-inch beam and do that with all the pressure of the world, then I can hit the ball in this court. She's an inspiration."

Gauff will now face Poland’s 28th seed Magdalena Frech in the third round.

SportsLigue