Coco Gauff Battles Through Serve Struggles to Defeat Tomljanović at US Open
Coco Gauff survived a tense and error-filled match to edge past Ajla Tomljanović in the first round of the US Open, clinching a 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 victory after nearly three hours under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite a shaky serve—recording 10 double faults and being broken six times—Gauff showed remarkable resilience, saving enough crucial points to advance to the second round.
After dropping a set, Gauff had early control, winning five of six games from a break down to take the opener and holding a double-break advantage in the second. But nerves crept in when serving for the match at 5-4 in the final set, giving Tomljanović the chance to level at 5-5.
The 21-year-old American responded immediately, breaking back and finally sealing the win with a sharp backhand down the line, raising her arms in relief as much as celebration. “It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to get through,” Gauff said. “I had so many chances. I just kept telling myself eventually one of them would go my way.”
Her serve remains a work in progress, even with recent additions to her team, including biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan. Gauff described her week of practice as punishing: “I was serving until my shoulder hurt. It’s like learning a new language … I know this part of my game needs improvement if I want to achieve the results I want.”
The tension peaked in the deciding set. “Serving at 5-4 felt like an old habit,” she said. “But at 6-5, I reminded myself to trust the work we’ve done on court.”
Tomljanović, ranked 79th, had opportunities but committed 56 unforced errors and was broken eight times. Her powerful forehand threatened at moments but proved too inconsistent to secure an upset.
Gauff noted she reminded herself of Tomljanović’s famous win over Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows, calling the match a perfect early test. “First-round matches are often more stressful than finals,” she said.
Next, Gauff will face Croatia’s Donna Vekić in round two. A strong run in New York could allow her to surpass Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, giving her a shot at the world No. 1 ranking for the first time.