Coco Gauff avoided a huge scare in the first round of the US Open as she battled past Ajla Tomljanovic.
Gauff fired coach Matt Daly just before the US Open, having also hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.
WTA number three Gauff, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023, narrowly beat Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows.
The third seed at the hard-court Grand Slam needed two hours and 57 minutes to defeat the Australian 6-4, 6-7(2-7), 7-5.
She now faces a very tricky test in the second round against Donna Vekic, who won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics last summer.
Coco Gauff comments on US Open crowd talking during points on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Before looking ahead to that match, however, Gauff was tasked with analysing one aspect of her opener at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Discussing the crowd talking during points in the match, the American told Scott Van Pelt on ESPN: “It’s kind of funny, I don’t know if people can hear on TV but it never really gets silent except on set points and match points.”
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Van Pelt replied: “About that. I am watching tonight and I am thinking, quiet please, is that out the window at night here?”
Responding, Gauff commented: “I think the refs don’t even try and honestly I don’t think there is any point to try.
“If you have never played on this court before it’s definitely a bit of a culture shock but I have been lucky to play on it a few times and you just know that going in.
“I love it though. I think it is great for tennis. That is what I think is the right amount of noise, but when you have the crowd on your side in New York you literally feel invincible.”
Coco Gauff in advantageous situation at the US Open
Gauff won’t be alone in her love for such an atmosphere while playing, but there will most certainly be other players who feel the complete opposite.
The two-time Grand Slam champion will, however, be experiencing a different level of support compared to most of her WTA rivals at the event given her nationality.
Gauff clearly expects the immense noise, which is only going to rise as she continues progressing in New York.
Importantly, the American has already proven she is more than capable of playing under such circumstances.
Gauff remarkably won the US Open in 2023 aged just 19, coming from behind to overcome Aryna Sabalenka.
She secured an unforgettable 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over the Belarusian, who she also beat in this year’s French Open final.
But that success will now be at the back of her mind, particularly given the 21-year-old suffered a shock first round exit at Wimbledon shortly after.
She has now passed that test at her home Grand Slam, where the huge fan support may just push the American over the line when it really matters.
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