Defending champions Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic delivered strong performances to advance to the third round of the US Open, leading a successful day for American players at Flushing Meadows.
Coco Gauff’s Impressive Win
Coco Gauff overcame an early challenge to defeat unseeded German Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old American cleaned up her early mistakes and took control of the match, setting up a third-round clash with 2019 semifinalist Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
“It was a tricky match,” Gauff said. “She’s not someone that you play and feel great after. It was just about execution.” Gauff’s ability to adapt her game and maintain focus helped her dominate the second set, showcasing her growing maturity on the court.
Novak Djokovic Continues His Grand Slam Pursuit
In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic kept his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive, advancing after fellow Serb Laslo Djere retired due to injury while trailing 6-4, 6-4, 2-0. Djere, who had pushed Djokovic to five sets in New York last year, required a medical time-out for an injury before conceding the match.
Djokovic himself received a visit from trainer for a side strain after winning the first set, but he remained composed. “It’s not what we want to see when there’s a retirement,” Djokovic commented. “Laslo had an injury that kept him off the tour for some time, and he’s been struggling to come back.”
Djokovic’s victory marked his 90th win at the US Open, making him the first man to reach 90 wins at all four Grand Slam tournaments. He will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin next, having beaten him in four-set matches at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.
American Stars Shine Bright
Taylor Fritz closed out action at Louis Armstrong Stadium with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-1 win over Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. Fritz, the 12th seed, was pleased with his performance after a nervy first-round match against Camilo Ugo Carabelli. “I came in really focused. I felt like I was just locked in every point,” Fritz said. “Matteo is an extremely good player, so I came in extra locked in.”
Frances Tiafoe also advanced, with Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko retiring at 6-4, 6-1, 1-0. Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals in New York in 2022, will face compatriot Ben Shelton next. Shelton, who captivated home crowds with a semifinal run last year, defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, delivering 17 aces and 60 winners.
Madison Keys, making her 13th main-draw appearance at the US Open, cruised past Australia’s Maya Joint 6-4, 6-0. Keys broke serve to lead 4-3 in the first set and maintained her momentum, finishing match in just 62 minutes. The 29-year-old American looks poised for a deep run as she continues her strong form.
With Gauff, Djokovic, Fritz, Tiafoe, Shelton, and Keys all advancing, home crowd has plenty to cheer for as tournament progresses. The next rounds promise thrilling matchups, with American hopes riding high at this year’s US Open.
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