There was a noticeable buzz surrounding Coco Gauff.
Instead of stepping onto Arthur Ashe Stadium with the usual concert-like atmosphere of lights and music—which can turn up the pressure on any player—she began her match in the calm of a Saturday morning. This seemed to relax the world’s third-ranked player.
Gauff appeared to be enjoying herself for possibly the first time in this year’s final tournament, easily advancing to the round of 16 with a 6-1 win over Magdalena Flek. It was a refreshing change from the emotional rollercoaster she experienced during her previous match.
“I felt like I played well today. The night matches can be really tough, especially with that level of intensity. Overall, I’m quite happy with my performance and excited to be moving into the fourth round,” she shared with a smile during an on-court interview after the match.
“This week has been emotional, but I believe those tough experiences are necessary for growth. I think I showed today how much I enjoy being out there,” she continued.
She could hardly have started her service game better after bringing new coach Gavin Macmillan on board just a day before the tournament began. Gauff started strong in her match, saving two breakpoints and hitting all her first six serves, including a blistering 104 mph winner to secure the first game.
After her emotionally charged victory in the second round, the 2023 US Open champion noted that her first serve in the second set boosted her confidence.
This confidence was evident as she opened with a 3-0 lead early on Saturday.
However, she faltered slightly, missing some first serves, and Flek took advantage, scoring a point in the fifth game following Gauff’s first double fault.
When Gauff was up 40-15, she couldn’t convert breakpoints, leading to a tie at 3-3.
But she didn’t let that derail her. A formidable 105 mph serve, which was unreturnable, solidified her service game.
Moments later, she capitalized on Flek’s errors, ultimately sealing the first set with ease.
Not wanting to prolong the match, Gauff came out strong in her next serve, quickly pushing through a couple of points. She later capped off the game with a 113 mph ace, making it 1-1.
She exploited Flek’s 29 forced errors, while making only four double faults herself. Gauff also managed to hit 76% of her first serves successfully.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Gauff has reached the fourth round of the US Open.
Next, she will face either two-time US Open Women’s Singles Champion Naomi Osaka or Australia’s Daria Kasatkina.
