Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on August 27, 2025, 8:06 PM

It seems possible that Coco Gauff had the upper hand going into her US Open first-round encounter. Coco managed to win in three sets after dropping the second in a tiebreak, but unseeded player Alja Tomljanovic still gave the American a serious fight.

In an on-court interview following the match, Coco acknowledged, "It was a tough match." “I had chances for it to be straight sets, but Ajla was tough. I felt like she was getting so many balls back and I was trying to push her back and she was standing on top of the baseline.”

Coco was boosted by the New York City audience after falling behind 0–2 early in the match and ultimately won the opening set 6-4. However, the world No. 3 finally got her feet and won the match with a 7-5 performance in the third set after losing the second in a tiebreak.

“I had so many chances, so eventually they’re going to come,” Coco stated. “I had chances to close it out in two, I had chances to go up double break so many times, so I was like, eventually one of these are going to go my way, and it did in that [final] game.”

“It wasn’t the best, but I’m happy to get through to the next round.” the 21-year-old continued on the encounter.

Furthermore, Coco is aware that she has the backing of a city and a country as she prepares to face Donna Vekic of Croatia in the second round.

“New York is always an event I do well in, just being an American and to have won it two years ago,” in an exclusive interview, she disclosed. “I’m very excited. The energy in this city and the US Open is like no other. I’m super excited to compete.”

She went on to say, “I enjoy interacting with the supporters. The fan interaction is the thing I’m most excited for on and off the court.”

Additionally, whether she wins or loses, the two-time Grand Slam champion enjoys the support of her loved ones, particularly her boyfriend Jalen Sera.

“Honestly after a good match, I just talk to my boyfriend, my friends, everyone cause I’m in a good mood,” she also said. “When I lose, I would say just my boyfriend 'cause he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss.”

After all, Jalen is the ideal choice to guide Coco through the most challenging parts of the sport.

“He’s always telling me to trust the process,” as stated by 21-year-old Coco. “Just know that I’ve already accomplished a lot and there’s no need to be so negative. That’s kind of what my whole team, my parents, everybody says. I’m someone that can criticize myself a lot, so I just try to make sure that I stay positive.”