Coco Gauff celebrates after winning her women's singles first round match against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open. Al Jazeera
Coco Gauff’s US Open title defense began with a struggle. The former champion needed nearly three hours to overcome Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in a tense first-round match.
The American star, seeded third, advanced with a 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 victory. But her 59 unforced errors and 10 double faults revealed deep concerns about her form.
Gauff Survives a Mental Battle
The reigning French Open champion admitted she was mentally drained after the clash.
“Honestly, it’s been really tough, mentally exhausting,” Gauff said. “I’m just trying to improve with each match.”
Gauff recently reshuffled her coaching staff, bringing in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to sharpen her serve. Yet the first-round showing proved she still has work to do.
Her serve was broken six times, and only Tomljanovic’s 56 errors prevented an early upset. Gauff knows stronger opponents ahead will punish her inconsistency if she doesn’t adapt quickly.
Sinner Begins Title Defense in Style
While Gauff battled, men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner looked unstoppable. The world number one dismantled Czech Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in just 98 minutes.
“It feels great to be back. This tournament is very special,” said Sinner, who is chasing back-to-back US Open titles. The Italian aims to become the first man since Roger Federer (2004-08) to defend the crown.
Sinner, healthy again after retiring from the Cincinnati final, now faces Alexei Popyrin in the next round.
Swiatek Sets Record With Routine Win
On the women’s side, world number one Iga Swiatek made a statement with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emiliana Arango.
The Polish star’s aggressive baseline play and sharp net touches left the Colombian with no answers. With this win, Swiatek became the first woman ever to record 65 straight first-round wins at WTA-level events, surpassing Monica Seles.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion and 2022 US Open winner, will face Suzan Lamens in the second round.
Osaka Enjoys Home Comforts
Two-time US Open winner Naomi Osaka returned to her favorite stage with a confident 6-3, 6-4 win over Greet Minnen.
“Whenever I play here, the atmosphere feels like home,” said Osaka, seeded 23rd. She next meets American Hailey Baptiste.
Other Women’s Results
- Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk defeated Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4.
- Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova beat Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2.
- Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia battled past Sonay Kartal 6-3, 1-6, 6-1.
- France’s rising star Lois Boisson fell to Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in three sets.
Mixed Fortunes in Men’s Draw
The men’s draw also saw drama. Tenth seed Lorenzo Musetti survived a tough test against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, winning 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Former champion Marin Cilic crashed out after losing to 23rd seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets. Meanwhile, American 14th seed Tommy Paul powered past Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to set up a clash with Portugal’s Nuno Borges.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev, seeded third, ended the night with a 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.
The Road Ahead
The US Open has already delivered a mix of dominance and drama. Gauff’s shaky start raises questions about her chances, while Sinner and Swiatek appear in unstoppable form.
With early exits of former champions like Cilic, the path is wide open for new storylines as the tournament heats up.
