Gauff Survives US Open Scare, Osaka Shines in Confident Return
Coco Gauff had to dig deep under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights on Tuesday, battling past Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 to reach the second round of the US Open. Naomi Osaka, by contrast, breezed through her opener in style, defeating Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4.
The defending champion looked unsettled early, losing her first service game and racking up errors before finding her rhythm. After taking the opening set and moving ahead 4-2 in the second, Gauff appeared on course for a routine win. But Tomljanovic, who famously ended Serena Williams’ run at Flushing Meadows in 2022, fought back to force a decider.
Serving for the match at 5-4 in the third, Gauff faltered with two double faults, allowing Tomljanovic back into the contest. The 20-year-old American regrouped, however, sealing victory with a backhand winner that drew an eruption from the home crowd.
“There were chances for it to be a straight-sets win, but it was tough,” Gauff said afterward. “It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to be through.” She now faces Olympic silver medallist Donna Vekic in the second round.
While Gauff had to grind, Osaka delivered a polished performance laced with theatre. Wearing a crystal-studded red outfit and floral ponytail before switching to a more practical look, the two-time US Open champion mixed style with substance in an 83-minute victory.
Osaka struck seven aces, saved all break points she faced in the second set, and converted six of her own chances on Minnen’s serve. “I was stressed, and I could have had a better attitude,” she admitted. “But I’m glad I was able to win. It feels good to build confidence again, especially on a surface I love.”
Minnen’s 30 unforced errors helped Osaka advance as she continues her comeback quest, aiming to become the first mother since Kim Clijsters in 2011 to lift a Grand Slam singles title. Next up is American Hailey Baptiste.
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