US Open Day 3: The increasingly dangerous Coco Gauff glides into Round 3

Sixth-seeded American Coco Gauff cruised through her second-round match against 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-2. Gauff, who appeared nervous and shaky in her first round, looked to have regained her red-hot form from the last few weeks.

Gauff’s newfound aggressive tennis was on full display against a talented young opponent. Gauff fired 24 winners and only dropped serve once in the match. Gauff will face 32nd seed Elise Mertens in the third round. Mertens saved match points in route to defeating American Danielle Collins in three sets. Mertens also saved match points in her first-round match.

When the draw was announced, fans and experts highlighted the potential quarterfinal match-up between Gauff and world number 1 Iga Swiatek. Indeed, I predicted that Gauff and Swiatek would advance to the quarterfinals given their form and comfort on slower hard courts. Swiatek cruised through her opening round and, as of the time of this article, was up a set and a break over Australia’s Daria Saville.

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek battle seems destined

Major champions Petra Kvitova and Jelena Ostapenko appear as the most likely threats to quash a Gauff-Swiatek encounter. Both Kvitova and Ostapenko possess the power to outhit any opponent on their day. However, the US Open has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for either player. Kvitova will also have to get through a mouthwatering second round against the returning Caroline Wozniacki.

Taylor Townsend Joins Gauff into the Third Round

While Day 3 saw compatriots Lauren Davis and Danielle Collins get bounced, American Taylor Townsend upset 19th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in two tight sets. Townsend, anchored by a raucous crowd, used her signature serve and volley style to disrupt her opponent. Townsend will face French Open finalist Karolina Muchova in the next round.

Elsewhere, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic quietly moved into the third round. Bencic has advanced to the quarterfinals or better at the US Open on three occasions.