Gauff: Chasing 3rd Major with new service action

MUMBAI: From the edge of the baseline on her forehand side, Coco Gauff sprinted the width of the courtto the left.

- Shahid Judge

The crosscourt return came spinning and stayed low on the bounce. Gauff had to lunge to get there, slightly off-balance, but she connected sweetly witha two-handed backhand. The down-the-line winner was well celebrated in the Arthur Ashe Stadium by Gauff and the partisan American crowd.

With that winner, she overcame the tough challenge posed by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, sealing the first round of the US Open 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 on Tuesday.

In many ways, the match point represented all the strengths and ‘weaknesses in Gaufi's game.

The first serve clocked 105 mph (169 kph) on the speedometer. It ‘wasa body serve but was not accurate enough to trouble Tomljan-ovic. The world No.79 returned with interest, needing Gauff to push back with a slice. Tomljan-ovic then hit a heavy forehand cross court which was replied with a short return. The Australian came up to the net and played a clever slice towards Gauff’s backhand, only for the American to pulloffan excellent winner on the run. The strengths: Gauff’s movement-she is one of the best, if not the best, runners on the WTA tour - tenacity and stroke play. The weakness: her serve.