27 august 2024 : Coco Gauff commenced her title defense at the US Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-0 victory against Varvara Gracheva on Monday, delivering 10 aces and successfully saving eight break points to progress to the next round.
The 20-year-old American navigated some challenging moments early in the match, ultimately securing the win in 66 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the venue where she claimed her inaugural Grand Slam title last year.
Gauff was in control during the second set when Gracheva, ranked 66th globally, managed to create two break points in the final game.
However, Gauff thwarted both attempts with aces, setting up a second-round clash with Germany’s Tatjana Maria, who triumphed over Argentina’s Solana Sierra with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
“I served well,” Gauff remarked. “I couldn’t have asked for a better start to this tournament, and I hope to continue improving as the week progresses.”
Gauff’s preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year has not been optimal, having exited in the third round at Toronto and losing her opening match as the defending champion in Cincinnati.
Nevertheless, she expressed that maintaining a long-term perspective has been beneficial in managing her emotions as she attempts to defend a major title for the first time.
“The past few weeks have been challenging, and I felt the pressure to perform,” she stated.
“However, I realize that I do not need to prove anything to anyone but myself,” she added.
“I am learning and recognizing that I have much more to contribute to this sport, and whether that occurs this year or in the future, I have many more opportunities ahead of me,” she continued. “Winning every year is not a realistic expectation.”
She emphasized that this mindset, along with the belief in her capabilities without the pressure of expectation, has alleviated some of the stress.
Additionally, her confidence in her game has been bolstered by her practice sessions, despite her recent disappointing performances.
“I was not surprised by my level of play because I had been practicing very well this week,” she concluded.
“It was a really good practice week. So honestly, I was just telling myself that I’m ready, I had a great practice week, I feel like I’m finding my game, whereas the other two tournaments that I played at, even the practice sessions I was doing, I just felt off.
“I knew based off how I was practicing I can find my game regardless of the scoreline. Then it’s just about executing.”