Coco Gauff mounts impressive comeback to beat Siegemund in US Open opener, sets up clash with Mirra Andreeva

Coco Gauff started slow but picked up momentum to defeat Laura Siegemund in the first round of the US Open with a score of 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Ranked world No. 6, Gauff entered the US Open with high expectations after her strong performances in the North American hard court swing. The American player secured two titles at the WTA 500 Washington Open and the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open.

Gauff recorded 11 wins and only one loss, arriving at Flushing Meadows with the confidence of the local crowd, hoping for a hometown player to lift the trophy, a feat not achieved since Sloane Stephens in 2017.

Her opponent was Laura Siegemund, coming through the qualifying rounds and currently ranked world No. 120. The German player recently reached the final of the Warsaw Open but lost to Iga Swiatek. After that, she played doubles and had a lone singles appearance in Washington, which ended in her retirement during the match.

In the first set, Siegemund took an early advantage by breaking Gauff's serve in the fifth game. Taking advantage of Gauff's nerves, Siegemund held her serve without offering any break opportunities.

With 13 winners and 9 unforced errors, Siegemund outperformed Gauff, who managed 7 winners and 11 unforced errors during the set. The score favored Siegemund at 6-3.

The second set started with an intense opening game as Siegemund served. It lasted 32 points and 30 minutes, with Coco eventually securing a break and taking the lead after eight break opportunities.

Gauff's advantage revitalized her game as she secured another break in the fifth game and ultimately took the set 6-2 on her serve.

Gauff won 72% of her service points compared to Siegemund's 50%, and she also claimed 58% of the points played in the set, as opposed to her rival's 42%.

The third set promised to be a battle, and Gauff took the first break in the opening game. After consolidating her serve, she secured another break to go up 3-0, and the advantage seemed insurmountable. Although Siegemund managed to break back, it was short-lived, and Gauff closed out the set with a 6-4 victory.

In the second round, Gauff will face the young Russian star Mirra Andreeva, who overcame a tough start against Olivia Gadecki to win the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.