NEW YORK — The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric on Monday at the U.S. Open as Coco Gauff prepared for her first match as the defending champion. The crowd chanted, “Here we go, Coco! Here we go!”
Gauff faced an early challenge, falling behind 1-0 to Varvara Gracheva after losing the match’s opening game without scoring a point due to four groundstroke errors. However, she rebounded in a grueling eight-minute game, fending off three break points from Gracheva and ultimately seizing the game. Gauff quickly took control of the match, winning decisively with a score of 6-2, 6-0, advancing her to the second round and showcasing that her game is in better form than it seemed in recent weeks.
Reflecting on her performance, the 20-year-old Gauff acknowledged the recent difficulties she faced in other tournaments but stated, “I have to do this and do that, but I don’t have to prove anything to anyone except myself.” She emphasized the importance of managing expectations, noting, “I have many more years coming back here and I’m not going to win every year.”
The first day of the final Grand Slam tournament of the year went exceptionally well for Gauff and fellow young American player Ben Shelton, who, as the 13th seed, defeated 2020 champion Dominic Thiem with a score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. This match was particularly significant for Thiem, as it marked his last appearance at the U.S. Open before retiring after this season.
Shelton praised Gauff’s passion for the sport, stating, “You could tell that she cares out there. She’s into it every time that she’s on the court. I think that’s something that the people love.”
The night session included another former U.S. Open champion, Sloane Stephens, who suffered a heartbreaking loss after leading against Clara Burel, losing 0-6, 7-5, 7-5. Novak Djokovic also played, winning his match against Radu Albot with a score of 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
Among the women’s seeded winners were No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 7 Zheng Qinwen, one of the recent Olympic gold medalists, No. 24 Donna Vekic, No. 12 Daria Kasatkina, and No. 14 Madison Keys. Unfortunately, No. 9 Maria Sakkari had to retire after one set due to a right shoulder injury. The highest-seeded man to fall during the day session was No. 15 Holger Rune, who was defeated by American Brandon Nakashima, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
Zheng continued her remarkable season, which began with a run to the Australian Open final and peaked with her first Olympic singles gold. After a shaky start against Amanda Anisimova, Zheng battled back to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
“Everything starts at zero. You are not anymore the Olympic champion,” Zheng said, emphasizing the need for humility and perseverance in every match.
Gauff’s approach mirrored that sentiment as she returned to the site of her greatest triumph. After recent struggles, Gauff focused on starting anew and showcased her determination on the court.
She concluded Monday’s match in just 66 minutes, utilizing her impressive serving—recording 10 aces—and overpowering Gracheva with a 16-5 advantage in winners.
Keys, reflecting on Gauff’s maturity, remarked, “From the start, we kind of all knew that Coco was going to be an amazing player. It’s also very impressive how she’s been able to continue to do as well as she has amid all the pressure and expectation.”