Coco Gauff faces tough opponents at U.S. Open

In the lead-up to the U.S. Open in New York, Coco Gauff, the reigning champion, finds herself in a challenging position as the No. 3 seed. She is set to open her campaign against Asla Tomljanovic, who is currently ranked No. 84 in the world. Gauff, having recently appointed Gavin MacMillan to assist her with her serve, has faced some struggles on the court, which have raised concerns about her performance in the tournament. A potential future match-up looms where she could confront Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and No. 23 seed, in the fourth round. This potential challenge underscores the path Gauff has to navigate if she is to repeat her success from the previous two years. Moreover, if she progresses past Osaka, she could encounter Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion and No. 6 seed in the quarterfinals. These matchups highlight the difficult draw that Gauff faces. Gauff's recent performance has not been stellar; she has recorded a 4-4 win-loss record since her triumph at Roland Garros and exhibited struggles in Cincinnati, where she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Jasmine Paolini. Analysts, including Mary Joe Fernandez, have pointed out how quickly a player can lose confidence and momentum after achieving a Grand Slam victory. Gauff's difficulties, particularly with her serve, are viewed as a pivotal aspect of her game that she must resolve to return to top form. As the tournament unfolds, the tennis community pays close attention to Gauff's journey, recognizing the potential hurdles ahead as she aims for her second U.S. Open title in three years. With the seasoned players she could face and the adjustments she must make, the upcoming matches will be crucial for Gauff's aspirations in this major competition.