Coco Gauff has kicked off her US Open title defence in style with a straight-set victory over Varvara Gracheva.
Gauff is the US Open second seed, with the American star having beaten Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final.
It is the 20-year-old’s only Grand Slam victory to date, with Gauff now looking to defend her crown at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff has handled her success well, having followed up the win with semi-final finishes at the Australian Open and French Open.
But her form ahead of the US Open has been very worrying to say the least, having suffered early exits at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open.
Laura Robson says WTA change has not helped Coco Gauff
Gauff did, however, need just 66 minutes to overcome Gracheva in Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 6-2, 6-0.
But former professional Laura Robson believes the WTA have made a change which hasn’t helped the American, saying on Sky Sports Tennis: “One thing which is not helping her this year is the difference in the balls.
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“Last year the women played with the extra duty, which was the same as the men, a heavier ball, it fluffs up a bit more towards the end. But this year they are back to regular duty which goes through the court faster, meaning she is getting more power coming on to her forehand.
“They kept the same balls throughout the hard court season, so it was the same in Cincinnati on an even faster hard court there. She will have a little bit more space [here] as it’s medium fast, slightly slower court.
“But it’s not going to help her. And if you feel slightly rushed on a shot and is the weakness everyone else in the tournament is talking about, then it’s just that much more pressure.”
Can Coco Gauff deal with the pressure at the US Open?
Gauff delivered a masterclass in the 2023 US Open final to overcome Sabalenka and win her first Grand Slam title.
The youngster coped with everything that was thrown at her in New York, and she must do it all again this time around to come out on top.
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There will be added pressure now that she has won a major trophy, with many WTA stars undoubtedly wanting to be the player to knock out the defending champion.
Gauff simply has to take the fourth and final Grand Slam of 2024 one game at a time, with Tatjana Maria up next for the 20-year-old.
The German, who sits 99th in the world rankings, awaits in round two after beating Argentine qualifier Solana Sierra 6-2 6-3.
Gauff’s compatriot Jessica Pegula hasn’t noticed much of a change regarding the balls being used, having never before played with the regular duty balls.
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