Coco Gauff Triumphs Over Tatjana Maria in U.S. Open Showdown

Defending champion Coco Gauff overcame a shaky start to defeat unseeded German Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0 in the second round of the U.S. Open. Despite early errors, Gauff regained composure in the second set, refining her game to secure a decisive win with a sublime backhand finisher.

Defending champion Coco Gauff cleaned up early mistakes to beat unseeded German Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0 in a lopsided second-round meeting at the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

The American had previously beaten Maria in Auckland last year and held on to the blueprint, roaring back from an error-riddled first set to sweep through the second. The crucial moment came when Gauff delivered a sublime backhand winner. Although she was hot out of the gates, Gauff's initial performance included a series of clumsy errors, creating a break point for her opponent.

Despite a less-than-ideal run-up to New York, including early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati, the third seed battled back, overcoming 20 unforced errors and seven double faults in the first set. She turned it around by breaking Maria from the baseline in the seventh game and navigating her way through 15-40 in the 10th, securing the set when Maria's shot went past the baseline.

In the second set, Gauff dominated, forcing Maria into errors and closing the match at 3-0. Gauff took advantage of her opponent's double fault in the first game, subsequently running away with the game as she improved virtually every aspect of her play.

(With inputs from agencies.)