Coco Gauff Overcomes Serving Struggles to Defeat Donna Vekic at US Open

Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the US Open, defeating Croatian player Donna Vekic in a challenging match that showcased her emotional resilience. Gauff, ranked third in the world, won the match with scores of 7-6 (7-5) and 6-2. The match began with Gauff struggling significantly with her serve, recording seven double faults, which led to a nerve-wracking first set that lasted over an hour. However, her performance picked up in the second set, where she decisively won 6-2, completing her comeback.

Following the match, Gauff was visibly emotional, stating, "It has been tough weeks for me," as she reflected on her recent struggles. The 21-year-old expressed her gratitude towards the audience for their support, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in difficult times. She notably thanked Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for attending the match and inspiring her with discussions around mental health. This victory marks Gauff's continued journey in the tournament, where she is set to face Polish player Magdalena Frech, ranked 33rd in the world, in the next round.