Coco Gauff’s ‘lucky’ reaction to US Open 2nd round win

Coco Gauff’s second-round victory at the US Open on Wednesday night left her feeling lucky despite winning in straight sets. The 20-year-old, who extended her winning streak to nine matches, admitted her performance was not up to her usual standards.

“I didn’t serve great at all,” Gauff said after the match, via ESPN News Services. “I was lucky. I think I only broke once, but I probably should have broken twice more.”

Facing Germany’s 99th-ranked Tatjana Maria, Gauff had some early difficulties under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights. The hot and humid conditions seemed to amplify her struggles, especially with her serve. Gauff recorded seven double faults in the first set and was able to land just 43 percent of his first serves in the game, significantly lower than his 64 percent in the opening round. Despite this, she managed to save four out of five break points and won the first set 6-4.

Coco Gauff struggled with issues beyond her serve against Tatjana Maria

Gauff’s problems extended beyond her job. She committed 20 unforced errors compared to just 10 winners and won just nine of 17 points at the net. When she served for the first set, she double-faulted, giving Maria the opportunity to tie the score. However, Gauff narrowly escaped, clinching the set with a cross forehand pass.

“I love Tatjana … (but) she’s very annoying to play,” Gauff said. “Tonight was just an annoying game. The balls, you hit winners on them, but because she cuts them, you have to generate all the power. Sometimes it can be more physically demanding than it looks, because you literally have to generate 100% of your power every time, compared to maybe someone you can just redirect to.”

The second set saw a dramatic turn in Gauff’s game. She tightened up her game, serving 15 winners with just five unforced errors and dominated the set 6-0. Maria, who cut almost every shot during the match, admitted that she missed her chances in the first set, which ultimately cost her the match.

“I had my chances in the first set that I didn’t take. That kind of player… if you don’t take your chances, then it goes away,” said Maria.

Gauff’s win set her up for a third-round showdown against 27th-seeded Elina Svitolina, a three-time major semifinalist. Despite recent early exits from other tournaments, including the Paris Olympics and Wimbledon, Gauff remains focused on defending her US Open title. She is now 22-3 in Grand Slam matches since her 2023 US Open victory, the most wins by a woman in that span.