US Open 2025 results: Coco Gauff thanks Simone Biles for helping her through tough US Open test

Days before her home Grand Slam, Gauff made a bold move to reshuffle her team in a bid to stem the flow of double faults.

Gauff made what she described as a “sudden decision” after hitting 16 double faults in her Cincinnati exit against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.

Grip specialist Matt Daly paid the price as the American player brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who helped rival Aryna Sabalenka overcome her serving yips.

The drastic measure has brought increased scrutiny at what is already a high-pressure tournament for the 2023 champion.

Gauff started sobbing underneath a towel at the changeover after a double fault contributed to Vekic breaking back for 4-4.

It was one of eight she hit in the first set and, while she eventually came through a messy opener featuring eight breaks of serve, Gauff felt the need to compose herself in a bathroom break before the second.

Overcoming adversity is one of Gauff’s greatest strengths and she limited the double faults to wrap up a straight-set victory.

Gauff, who played cleanly off the ground, broke down again during her on-court interview.

“I’ve never felt like that on the court before,” she told ESPN.

“With learning a new thing, you don’t feel comfortable and I think it affects everything else.

“I played really well, the serving can be improved, but it was better than my last match.

“There are a lot of positives to take and I need to remember that side of things.”

Gauff moves on to play Polish 28th seed Magdalena Frech in the last 32.