Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the US Open for a fifth consecutive year, while Naomi Osaka also survived a tense three-set battle to keep her campaign alive. Iva Jovic then completed a memorable night for the American women by edging Alexandra Eala in a marathon clash to set up an all-American meeting with Gauff.
Gauff, the fourth seed and 2023 champion, overcame Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. She did not produce her cleanest tennis, particularly on serve, but recovered from early setbacks and found another level when the pressure increased.
“I’m just happy with how I fought through, even when I wasn’t playing my best,” Gauff said.
The 22-year-old fell behind 1-3 in the opening set but responded by taking control from the baseline. She broke Bucsa again in the eighth game after a lengthy 21-shot exchange and closed out the set. Gauff then produced another crucial break late in the second before sealing victory at the net.
“I feel like I’m used to getting to the second week now,” Gauff said. “Last year, I put so much pressure on myself. I’m enjoying the experience out here.”
OSAKA BATTLES IT OUT
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka continued her comeback at Flushing Meadows with a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win over 23rd seed Elise Mertens. The Japanese 13th seed moved into the fourth round after recovering from a breakdown in the deciding set.
Osaka made the brighter start, building a 4-1 advantage in the opening set, but Mertens fought back and levelled the contest. The Belgian then looked capable of completing the turnaround before Osaka regained her composure late in the decider.
“Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match,” Osaka said.
“There was a certain point where I put my heart on the court and kept trying in every point.”
After taking a medical timeout, Osaka returned to produce the decisive moments. She fired a big ace for 6-5 before stepping up her forehand game to finish the match. She will next face second seed Elena Rybakina.
JOVIC ENDS BEST FRIEND EALA’S RUN
Jovic produced the biggest win of her US Open career by beating close friend Alexandra Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 after three hours and three minutes. The 18-year-old American had trailed 2-4 in the final set but fought back to reach the last 16 for the first time in New York.
The result extended Jovic’s perfect 3-0 record against Eala, with her three victories coming on different surfaces. The pair had even teamed up with their fathers during Fan Week, but friendship was put aside once the competitive action began.
“That felt like a marathon. I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match,” Jovic said.
Jovic, ranked a career-high 14th, has now reached the fourth round at all three Grand Slams this season. She will face Gauff next in an all-American clash.
– Ends
