As with the first round, it was clear Coco Gauff still has a lot to work on in Flushing if she wants to defend her U.S. Open title in 2023.
What started as a tough second-round match for Gauff ultimately turned into an easier night for the American, defeating Germany's Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0 on Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 6-0 win in the second set certainly wasn't a reflection of Gauff's first-set performance, but she finally found some relief after hitting 15 winners and making just five unforced errors in the set.
“I thought I played well overall and if I could have served better I think I would have had an advantage in the first set,” Gauff told ESPN after the match.
“You have nothing to lose. You already have one. [a Grand Slam] “When asked about dealing with the pressure of defending my US Open title, I already have the experience and there is potential to do more this year and in the future,” she added.
The 20-year-old Gauff opened the match by converting three break points to win the first game and breaking serve of the German veteran who hasn't played on the big stage at the U.S. Open for six years since serving out to start a family.
However, things went wrong quickly for Gauff in a tough first service game.
The 37-year-old Maria took advantage of Gauff's three break points, catching her with a deep volley as she tried to play at the net.
Gauff's final net shot gave Maria a break.
It was a tough start for Gauff, who made seven double faults and 20 unforced errors at key moments in the first set, seemingly unable to capitalize on her strong serve.
The match remained even until Gauff broke Maria's serve for the second time in the seventh game.
She then did the same in the 10th game at deuce, winning the set on a big out-of-bounds hit by Maria, then losing it on a ball that ended up in the net.
