Coco Gauff comes back to defeat Elina Svitolina in three sets and reach fourth round at 2024 US Open
The US Open defending champion had to work for it, but showed her quality as she won 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in her third round match on Friday (30 August).
Tennis
Defending champion Coco Gauff has made it through to the fourth round of the 2024 US Open, defeating Elina Svitolina on Friday (30 August).
The home hero had to fight through three sets in her third round match, but got the job done as she beat her Ukrainian opponent 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final tennis Grand Slam of the year.
A tight opening set gave little margin for error, and the turning point came at 3-3 where Gauff was presented two break points. But unforced errors allowed Svitolina to keep her cool and hold her serve, going on to win the final three games including a break of her own to take control in the New York sunshine.
Gauff may have been feeling the pressure towards the end of the first set, but she roared back in the second and turned on the heat. The third seed broke her opponent’s serve and was not letting up on second serve with a 70% win percentage.
Last year's champion won the second set with the same 6-3 scoreline to force a decider at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the momentum firmly in the American’s hands.
Svitolina was unable to find a response even in the third and final set, succumbing to a match-high tally of unforced errors and feeling the wrath of Gauff’s serves. The precedent was set early as Gauff broke her opponent in the opening game.
Gauff looked far more like herself and was enjoying her tennis in front of a home crowd. Dominating most of the final set and in spite of a late surge by Svitolina, she got the job done.
Gauff will face Emma Navarro (USA) in round 4 of the US Open.