Coco Gauff US Open 2025 campaign began with a tough three-set win over Ajla Tomljanovic. Despite serve struggles and 10 double faults, Gauff fought through mental exhaustion to advance in front of her home crowd.
Coco Gauff US Open 2025: A Grueling First-Round Battle
The opening round of the Coco Gauff US Open 2025 journey was anything but straightforward. Playing under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows, the 21-year-old American faced Ajla Tomljanovic in a tense three-set clash. After nearly three hours of play, Gauff finally secured a 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 7-5 victory, but her performance revealed both promise and ongoing struggles.
Gauff’s Serve Under Pressure
One of the main talking points of the Coco Gauff US Open 2025 match was her serve. Long considered a vulnerable aspect of her game, the serve once again came under scrutiny. She committed 10 double faults, and despite flashes of improvement, she was broken six times by the 79th-ranked Australian.
Table: Coco Gauff’s Serve Stats vs. Ajla Tomljanovic
| Match Statistic | Gauff’s Performance |
|---|---|
| Double Faults | 10 |
| Aces | 7 |
| Service Games Broken | 6 |
| First Serve Percentage | 59% |
| Total Match Duration | 2 hours 54 minutes |
This statistical breakdown highlights the fragile nature of her service game, which continues to draw attention from analysts, including 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert.
Coaching Changes Before the Tournament
In a dramatic move just days before the Coco Gauff US Open 2025 began, Gauff parted ways with coach Matt Daly and hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan. The decision came after her 16 double faults during a painful loss to Jasmine Paolini in Cincinnati.
MacMillan previously worked with Aryna Sabalenka to correct her infamous serving yips. His expertise was evident in Gauff’s slightly more balanced and synchronized motion in New York, though consistency is still a work in progress.
Mental Exhaustion on Display
Following her victory, Gauff admitted she was “mentally exhausted” from the constant pressure surrounding her serve. “It was a tough match. I had chances to close it in straight sets, but I’m just happy to get through,” she said in her post-match interview.
The Coco Gauff US Open 2025 campaign comes with heightened expectations. She is the reigning French Open champion and the 2023 US Open winner, but her results since June show only one quarter-final appearance. These fluctuations underline the mental strain of performing under constant spotlight as America’s tennis darling.
Chris Evert’s Analysis of Gauff’s Game
Legendary player Chris Evert shared her insights on Gauff’s match, noting that her motion appeared “more in unison” compared to earlier tournaments. However, she stressed that Gauff still lacks the confidence needed to consistently close matches on serve.
Evert also praised Gauff’s resilience:
“She’s got a way to go confidence-wise, even though she won this match. But to her credit, she found a way to win when it mattered most.”
This balance of criticism and encouragement reflects the dual narrative of the Coco Gauff US Open 2025 performance—fragility mixed with determination.
Match Dynamics: Breaking Down the Sets
First Set (6-4)
Gauff started strong with aggressive groundstrokes, dictating points despite occasional serving lapses. She clinched the set with a composed hold.
Second Set (6-7, 2-7)
The second set exposed her service issues. Multiple double faults allowed Tomljanovic to stay competitive. In the tiebreak, Gauff’s nerves showed, and the Australian capitalized with precision.
Third Set (7-5)
At 5-4, Gauff attempted to serve for the match but was broken again, causing visible frustration. After a brief courtside chat with MacMillan, she shifted strategy, aiming deeper serves into the middle of the box. This adjustment paid off as she closed the match with grit.
Table: Set-by-Set Overview Coco Gauff US Open 2025
| Set | Score | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|
| First Set | 6-4 | Gauff dominates with forehand, holds key service games |
| Second Set | 6-7 (2-7) | Tomljanovic forces errors, Gauff double faults in tiebreak |
| Third Set | 7-5 | Gauff broken at 5-4 but regroups, serves out at 7-5 |
Home Pressure at Flushing Meadows
For any American tennis player, performing at the US Open carries special weight. For Gauff, who won her first US Open title in 2023, the expectations are enormous. Fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium roared with relief when she finally sealed victory. Her passionate fist pump and skyward roar revealed just how much this match took out of her.
The Coco Gauff US Open 2025 storyline is not just about her physical performance but also about how she manages emotional pressure in front of a home crowd that desperately wants her to succeed.
Comparisons with Sabalenka
Many observers are comparing Gauff’s serving troubles with those of Aryna Sabalenka, who famously overcame her yips with MacMillan’s help. The similarities give hope that Gauff’s struggles may also be temporary. If the biomechanics adjustments stick, her serve could transform from a liability into a weapon.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
As the Coco Gauff US Open 2025 campaign continues, the focus will remain on her serve. If she can stabilize this aspect of her game, she has the power and athleticism to challenge for the title again. Her ability to adapt under pressure, combined with MacMillan’s technical guidance, could prove decisive in the later rounds.
FAQs on Coco Gauff US Open 2025
1. Who did Coco Gauff play in the first round of the US Open 2025?
She played Ajla Tomljanovic and won in three sets (6-4, 6-7, 7-5).
2. How many double faults did Coco Gauff hit in her first-round match?
Gauff hit 10 double faults, a reflection of her ongoing serving struggles.
3. Why did Coco Gauff change her coach before the US Open 2025?
She parted ways with Matt Daly and hired biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan to fix her serve.
4. What did Coco Gauff say about her performance?
She admitted feeling “mentally exhausted” but expressed relief at surviving the tough contest.
5. Has Coco Gauff won the US Open before?
Yes, Gauff won the 2023 US Open, marking her first major title on home soil.
6. What role does Chris Evert play in Gauff’s journey?
Evert provides expert analysis, highlighting both improvements and concerns in Gauff’s serving technique.
7. What are Coco Gauff’s chances at the US Open 2025?
If she stabilizes her serve, Gauff remains one of the favorites to reach the latter stages of the tournament.