Image source: Instagram/@cocogauff
Defending champion Coco Gauff eased past France’s Varvara Gracheva with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win in the U.S. Open’s first round on Monday.
Coco Gauff, playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, delivered 10 aces on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Her performance was a clear statement that she’s putting recent struggles behind her.
“I just wanted to enjoy the match,” Coco Gauff said after the win. “Today felt like I played some of my best tennis in a long time.”
Despite early exits in Cincinnati and Toronto, Coco Gauff showed resilience. The match started with some tension as she hit five double faults in the first set. She faced three break points in the second game but managed to hold her serve. From there, she gained momentum, breaking Gracheva’s serve in the third and seventh games.
Gracheva struggled to keep up, making 25 unforced errors and hitting only five winners. Gauff, on the other hand, raised her level in the second set, committing just five unforced errors and closing it out in 27 minutes.
In the final game, Coco Gauff briefly faltered, allowing Gracheva a break point opportunity. However, she quickly recovered, sealing the match with a pair of aces and capitalizing on a final error from Gracheva.
After securing the victory, the 20-year-old Gauff pumped her fist, signaling her satisfaction. She reminded her fans that she’s embracing a fresh mindset as she defends her title at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff admitted, “This tournament definitely comes with a lot of pressure, but I’m just here to enjoy it.” Whatever happens, happens.”
Next, Gauff will play against Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the second round.
