New York, 31 August 2024 (TDI): To get to the US Open’s fourth round, defending champion Coco Gauff defeated Ukrainian Elina Svitolina after falling behind in a set.
After a fierce 3-6 6-3 6-3 victory, American third seed Gauff is still in the running to become the first female champion defender since Serena Williams in 2014.
Coco Gauff said, “It’s important to win this. I had anticipated a difficult match today. She is a fighter every time I play Elina. I needed to play my best tennis, I knew that.”
After defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-4 4-6 6-3, the 13th seed will take on her countrywoman Emma Navarro.
Navarro shocked everyone on Center Court when the two Americans faced off in this year’s Wimbledon fourth round.
Gauff stated that “It reminds me of that Wimbledon match. I believe that I simply lost my mind on the court. She performed really well, and I was really annoyed.” “I simply need to know that I have to give it my all and be psychologically prepared from start to finish as I have to expect her to play her best tennis.”
At 1.49 a.m. local time in New York (06:49 BST), Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova was defeated by last year’s runner-up, Aryna Sabalenka, who battled from a set down to win 2-6 6-1 6-2.
Also read: Paralympic Games to Kick Off Today in Paris
After Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton played out a five-set drama before the men’s defending champion Novak Djokovic suffered an unexpected defeat by Alexei Popyrin, the day session on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium spilled over into the evening slot, resulting in the marathon finish.
Coco Gauff will now play Emma Navarro, another American, in the following round. Gauff still recalls being defeated by Navarro in the Wimbledon fourth round in the past.
With her three consecutive US Open victories from 2012 to 2014, Serena Williams is the last woman to attempt a title defense. Gauff hopes to be the first.
