Gauff Overcomes Serve Challenges in First-Round US Open Victory

Coco Gauff triumphed in her first-round match at the U.S. Open on September 5, 2023, overcoming a mental battle to trust her newly revamped serve. The American third seed faced a tough challenge against Ajla Tomljanovic, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory with a score of 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5. This match marked a significant moment for Gauff as she sought to shake off old habits that plagued her performance.

Coaching Changes and Serve Adjustments

Gauff entered the tournament following a split with her coach Matt Daly and the addition of biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan. Their collaboration aimed to refine her serve, which had been a source of concern for the young athlete. Gauff admitted that the week of practice leading up to the tournament was challenging, stating, “I was spending a lot of time on court literally serving until, like, my shoulder was hurting.”

Despite a shaky start in the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she dropped the opening game, Gauff managed to regroup. Her performance included a series of errors, but she demonstrated resilience by adapting her strategy in critical moments. Gauff noted, “I think it’s in the right direction, and I think for me it’s trying not to go back to old habits in those tighter moments.” This determination helped her secure the win, particularly in the decisive third set.

Reflections on Performance and Future Matches

In the aftermath of the match, Gauff reflected on her serve, acknowledging the challenges she faced. “Honestly, that third set was the definition of that,” she said, referring to her tendency to revert to old habits. However, she expressed optimism about her progress, adding, “The more I get confident, the more I can go for it.” Gauff recognized that her serve speed was not at its peak during the match but emphasized the need for consistent practice to improve.

As Gauff looks ahead to her next match against Donna Vekic, the silver medallist from the Paris Olympics, she remains focused on building her confidence. “Ajla played great,” she remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of the match. “If it was another player, it would be a much more straightforward match.” Gauff’s ability to navigate the mental challenges of her game will be crucial as she aims to advance further in the tournament.

With her sights set on reclaiming her position among the top players, Gauff’s journey in the U.S. Open continues to unfold as she strives for excellence on the court.