Coco Gauff looks ahead to Elina Svitolina clash after reaching third round – ‘I’ll have to bring my best’
Defending US Open champion Coco Gauff booked her spot in the third round with a 6-4 6-0 victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria in an hour and 20 minutes. The 20-year-old American will face 27th seed Elina Svitolina next at Flushing Meadows and admitted she will have to be at her best to prevail. Gauff and Svitolina have met twice previously, with both enjoying one victory apiece.
Coco Gauff admitted she would have to produce her “best tennis” to beat Elina Svitolina after the defending US Open champion eased into the third round with a comfortable victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria.
Gauff, 20, opened the night session on Arthur Ashe on day three at Flushing Meadows and made light work of her opponent, completing a 6-4 6-0 victory in an hour and 20 minutes. The tests will only get stiffer, though. Up next is Ukrainian 27th seed Elina Svitolina, who beat compatriot Anhelina Kalinina 6-1 6-2 and is a former US Open semi-finalist.
“[Svitolina is] a difficult opponent, a veteran player,” Gauff said. “I played her earlier in Auckland, and that was a tough, tough match.
“I know I’ll have to bring my best tennis to win against her.” Gauff has made serene progress on her return to the scene of her greatest triumph. She dropped just two games against France’s Varvara Gracheva in the opening round before proving far too good for Maria.
