By HOWARD FENDRICH
Coco Gauff saved wiping the tears welling in her eyes between factors in her second-round match on the U.S. Open on Thursday evening, making an attempt to remain composed, making an attempt to offer herself an opportunity to win.
Coco Gauff competes within the 2nd spherical of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis championships on the USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle in Flushing New York on August 28, 2025. (Andrew Schwartz/NYDN)
Gauff’s serving troubles had been once more a difficulty, simply as they had been two nights earlier, simply as they’ve been for some time now. The 2-time Grand Slam champion teamed up with a brand new coach just lately to attempt to repair that side of her sport, and whereas there clearly continues to be work to be performed, Gauff did work out the right way to keep within the event, beating Donna Vekic 7-6 (5), 6-2 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Coco Gauff competes within the 2nd spherical of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis championships on the USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle in Flushing New York on August 28, 2025. (Andrew Schwartz/NYDN)
“Honestly, today was a tough match for me. But I’m just happy with how I was able to manage. It’s been rough couple weeks,” Gauff mentioned throughout her on-court interview, earlier than pausing as she started to cry.
Coco Gauff competes within the 2nd spherical of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis championships on the USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle in Flushing New York on August 28, 2025. (Andrew Schwartz/NYDN)
Within the first set, Gauff, a 21-year-old from Florida, double-faulted seven instances and misplaced 4 of her six service video games — together with to path 5-4 after which 6-5. However she broke proper again every of these instances — Vekic took a medical timeout to have her proper shoulder checked out — after which was superior within the tiebreaker.
Coco Gauff celebrates successful her 2nd spherical match of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis championships on the USTA Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle in Flushing New York on August 28, 2025. (Andrew Schwartz/NYDN)
After that set, Gauff headed to the locker room to splash some water on her face and regain focus.
