Coco Gauff’s US Open title defense faced its first significant challenge against former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina. Despite dropping the opening set, Gauff rallied to secure a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory, extending her Flushing Meadows win streak to 10 matches.
Svitolina, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, posed a formidable threat, pressuring Gauff’s forehand and breaking her serve in the first set. However, Gauff’s resilience shone through as she saved a break point in the second set and seized the initiative with a forehand winner.
The American’s momentum carried into the decider, where she broke Svitolina’s serve twice to establish a 2-0 lead. Svitolina fought back, but Gauff’s determination proved too strong. Despite double faulting on her first two match points, Gauff remained composed and sealed the victory with a forehand winner.
Gauff’s victory sets up an intriguing third-round clash against either Emma Navarro or Marta Kostyuk, both of whom have previously challenged her. The 20-year-old American will be aiming to continue her impressive run and reach the second week of the US Open once again.
